English Literature

What is Gans claim
Gans criticizes Journalistic theory of Democracy laying down its pros and cons. He believes that one of the theories biggest deceptions is that a democracy works through citizens information. He claims to bring what news the citizens need to participate in and what makes of an informed citizen. Being from a sociology background, Gans questions the basis of information that is supplied to the citizens of varied socio-economic backgrounds.

What is Stones claim
Stone claims that the Free Press should be critical of governments working, should provide a platform to raise ideas and opinions and report comprehensibly in a timely manner.

What are Gans major reasons in supporting this claim
Gans believes that power plays a crucial role in producing information. Although Freedom of Press shuns the notion of power but the rich individuals and Interest groups have access to politicians which in turn regulate news. Therefore, Democracy is the outcome of Free Press but the access to right information is always missing.

What are Stones reasons in supporting this claim
Stone believes that Free Press has become one of the large-selling businesses in the market and values pathos, drama and titillation of the facts which produces yellow journalism. To stop titillation of facts, Stone prescribes accuracy in news reporting and that it should be subjected to rigorous self-criticism.

What are the similarities and differences between Stone and Gans claims
Both Stone and Gans talk about the abuse of power which results to distortion and misunderstanding of facts. Therefore, the journalists need to understand the institutions that endanger democracy. They believe that journalists should report citizens active participation in society by reporting accurate information. Gans focuses on not blindfold accept what is given by the political institutions thus, journalists need to analyze the stories. Whereas, Stone emphasizes on self-governing. Hence, both lay a set of protocols for the limitations of a journalist.