Is journalism necessary for democracy? Is democracy necessary for journalism? Explain how you think the two concepts relate, making reference to the relevant scholarly debates.

Journalism and democracy are two concepts that are deeply intertwined.

Firstly, journalism is often considered necessary for democracy. This is because journalism plays a crucial role in informing the public about current events and issues, thereby enabling them to make informed decisions. This is particularly important in a democratic society, where citizens have the power to influence policy and elect leaders. Without journalism, citizens would lack the necessary information to make these important decisions. This idea is supported by the "Fourth Estate" theory, which posits that the media acts as a fourth branch of government, checking on the other three branches to ensure they are acting in the public's best interest.

However, the relationship between journalism and democracy is not one-sided. Democracy is also necessary for journalism. In a democratic society, journalists have the freedom to investigate and report on the actions of the government without fear of censorship or punishment. This freedom is essential for journalists to fulfill their role as the "Fourth Estate". In non-democratic societies, journalism is often heavily censored, preventing journalists from fulfilling this role.

In terms of scholarly debates, some argue that the relationship between journalism and democracy is not as straightforward as it seems. For example, some scholars argue that the commercialization of news media has led to a decline in the quality of journalism, with news outlets prioritizing profit over public interest. This, they argue, undermines the role of journalism in a democracy.

Others argue that the rise of social media and citizen journalism has changed the relationship between journalism and democracy. They suggest that these developments have democratized the media, allowing ordinary citizens to participate in the production and dissemination of news. However, others argue that this has led to the spread of misinformation, which can undermine democracy.

In conclusion, while there are ongoing debates about the nature of the relationship between journalism and democracy, it is clear that the two are deeply interconnected. Journalism plays a crucial role in informing the public and holding the government accountable in a democracy, while democracy provides the freedom necessary for journalism to fulfill this role.