public

1
Part One, Chapters1-5 of Lippmanns The Phantom
Public
public
state
citizen
policy
Media
citizen
citizen
policy
policy
citizen
citizen
policy
policy
policy
citizen
If the above is an accurate model of Lippmanns
concept of the public, the state, and the medias
relation between the two, then several questions
arise (1) What agency can citizens effect? If
citizens can only vote in favor of or against
leaders who the shape policy, the medias
responsibility is not to offer detailed
descriptions of the policies, but analysis that
will help voters to choose the best experts who
can manage policy.
2
Part One, Chapters1-5 of Lippmanns The Phantom
Public
If the above is an accurate model of Lippmanns
concept of the public, the state, and the medias
relation between the two, then several questions
arise (2) What can we expect of citizens? If
citizens cannot understand the details of policy
formation in an advanced society, then the media
owes them an explanation of the general
implications and positions available to help them
pick the best experts (general, not specific
information).
3
Part Two, Chapters 6-8 of Lippmanns The Phantom
Public
PUBLIC
state
public
policy
Media
public
public
policy
policy
policy
policy
public
public
policy
public
Lippmanns equivocal use of public PUBLIC The
larger body of all citizens sharing a common
interest. Lippmann says we cannot all share
common opinions (p. 87), but we can share a
common interest in the maintenance of a regime
of rule (p. 95) public the local actors
(executives) affected by and affecting a given
policy, problem, etc.
4
Part Two, Chapters 6-8 of Lippmanns The Phantom
Public
PUBLIC
state
elects
policy
public in crisis
shapes
Media
public
public
policy
policy
policy
policy
public
public
policy
public
How the PUBLIC relates to the public When a
public has a problem that it cannot resolve among
the actors immediately affected and able to
execute solutions, the PUBLIC steps in to choose
a policy written by those involved in the
public--this policy achieves equilibrium, thereby
resolving the crisis.
5
Part Two, Chapters 6-8 of Lippmanns The Phantom
Public
PUBLIC
state
elects
policy
public in crisis
shapes
Media
public
public
policy
policy
policy
policy
public
public
policy
public
Lippmann equivocal use of interest Since the
PUBLIC shares nothing but an interest (shared
investment) in order, there is no common ground
for everyone, except a hope for a regime of law.
Since the members of various publics cannot share
a commonly interested perspective (opinion),
there is no hope for resolution, only
accommodation.
6
Part Two, Chapters 6-8 of Lippmanns The Phantom
Public
If the above model is accurate, there is no
common interest (nothing affects us all equally)
nor is there a commonly interested perspective
(we will necessarily differ in opinion). Theres
no common ground for society except a desire for
order so that things go smoothly. Re Social
Security, one might argue (following Lippmann)
that this is not an issue in which were all
equally invested--its not about improving
society and providing security for all. Its
about mediating a conflict among interested
(affected) parties the retired and retiring who
want their benefits the young who must pay for
the retired and the retiring and who want some
return on their payments the government who must
manage this system. The only reason Social
Security is an issue of PUBLIC debate is because
the interested parties cannot find a
resolution--they need accommodation. The PUBLIC
will choose experts able to manage this problem.
7
Part Two, Chapters 6-8 of Lippmanns The Phantom
Public
If the above model is accurate, then what is the
medias responsibility to the PUBLIC? How can
the media help the PUBLIC to make good decisions
in moments of crisis? If the above model is
accurate, then should (can) the media be
disinterested?