Lakhasly

The media is best defined by the roles they play in society.But, perhaps one of the most important roles played by the media within modern democracies is the watchdog role; through which the media monitors the performance and conduct of governments, to ensure that they adhere to the promises and expectations of those who put them into power.The media, through its reporting, can put a spotlight on critical developments that impact negatively and positively on people's lives, as well as bringing to the fore issues that are often ignored and voices that are marginalised.They educate, inform and entertain through news, features and analysis in the press.Women are often portrayed in subordinate roles to men.

The media is best defined by the roles they play in society. They educate, inform and entertain through news, features and analysis in the press. They also produce documentaries, dramas, current affairs programmes, public service announcements, magazine programmes and other forms of programming for radio and television. The media is a conduit through which voices, perspectives and lives are brought into the public sphere. In the last decade, Africa has witnessed a massive growth of on-line media, which is being exploited by both urban and rural communities to access and deliver information for social and business purposes.
The media also plays a critical role in facilitating social change and shaping public opinion and attitudes. The media, through its reporting, can put a spotlight on critical developments that impact negatively and positively on people’s lives, as well as bringing to the fore issues that are often ignored and voices that are marginalised.
The media’s agenda-setting function often influences debate, thinking and priorities within society. Research and data has shown how the media reinforces stereotypes, especially on issues of gender, religion and culture. Women are often portrayed in subordinate roles to men. When journalists look for sources for their stories, they often gravitate towards the powerful people in any community, who are mostly men. Women are often portrayed in their traditional roles as wives, mothers and care-givers, while men are seen as powerful, resourceful, leaders and many such roles associated with power. But, perhaps one of the most important roles played by the media within modern democracies is the watchdog role; through which the media monitors the performance and conduct of governments, to ensure that they adhere to the promises and expectations of those who put them into power. Consequently, this role is often the source of conflict between media, the state and its institutions.