Historical relationships between media and governments



“Historical relationships between media and governments”

The relationship between social media and revolutionary government can be best explained as a clashing whirlwind of tidal forces. The media has affected politics in numerous ways, whether it is to draw attention to certain issue to assisting politicians’ campaigns. Indeed, some aspects of the globalized media in fact assist movement of political agendas and slow the progression of others. This is why historically the media has been referenced as “the fourth estate”, or a section of society operation outside the normal bounds of social classes, able to press its ideals onto anyone who happens to come into contact with it.

The origins of the term “the fourth estate” are best explained within the context of the medieval “estates of the realm.” In medieval society, three “estates” were formally recognized as the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. Each estate had a very distinct social role and a certain level of power, and the idea of the estates of the realm became so entrenched in European society that it still lives on, to some extent, although society is far more characterized by social equality and equal rights for all people today.

In the middle of the 19th century, people began referring to the press as a fourth estate, referencing the fact that most parliaments and other houses of government had an area set aside specifically for the use of the press, and pointing out that the press was a distinct group within the larger framework of the realm. Several historians credit the coinage of the term to Edmund Burke, who is said to have referenced the fourth estate when discussing the French Revolution, and Thomas Carlyle, a 19th century author, popularized the term.

The press plays a very important role in most societies, reporting on a wide variety of topics and creating powerful personalities who are relied upon for sources of information and commentary. Writing about the first estate in 1841, Thomas Carlyle pointed out that the press had a powerful role in parliamentary procedure, shaping the will of the people and influencing the outcome of votes among the government, as well. Carlyle also argued that the press was an important part of a democratic society, saying that writing gives people “a tongue which others will listen to.”

An example of the power of the media assisting political movements would be the Nazi propaganda campaign in near the middle of 20th century. During most of the Nazis' time in opposition, their means of propaganda were limited. With little access to mass media, the party continued to rely heavily on Hitler and a few others speaking at public meetings until 1929. In April 1930, Hitler appointed Goebbels head of party propaganda. Goebbels, a former journalist and Nazi party officer in Berlin, soon proved his skills. Among his first successes was the organization of riotous demonstrations that succeeded in having the American anti-war film All Quiet on the Western Front banned in Germany.

Goebbels rose to power in 1933 along with Hitler and the Nazi Party and he was appointed Propaganda Minister. One of his first acts was the burning of books rejected by the Nazis. He exerted totalitarian control over the media, arts and information in Germany. In that position, he perfected the Big Lie technique of propaganda, which is based on the principle that a lie, if audacious enough and repeated enough times, will be believed by the masses.

Goebbels used modern propaganda techniques to psychologically prepare the German people for aggressive war and the annihilation of civilian populations. Among other propaganda devices, he accused many of Germany's ethnic and national minorities such as the Poles, the Jews, the French of trying to destroy Germany, claiming that Germany's belligerent actions were taken in self-defense.

During World War II, Goebbels increased his power and influence through shifting alliances with other Nazi leaders. By late 1943, the tide of the war was turning against the Axis powers, but this only spurred Goebbels to intensify the propaganda by urging the Germans to accept the idea of total war and mobilization.

While social media outlets can thrive under the assistance of governments, at the same time governments can stifle the flow of the press if it feels threatened. The censorship of communications in the 2009 Iranian election led many to question the validity of the process. Mobile phone communications were interrupted in Tehran on Election Day and the BBC has stated that "heavy electronic jamming" was being used to halt their broadcasts. On 23 May 2009, the Iranian government temporarily blocked access to Facebook across the country. reported that this move was a response to the use of Facebook by candidates running against Ahmadinejad.

The director of BBC World Service accused the Iranian Government of jamming its broadcasts to the country. Peter Horrocks said audiences in Iran, the Middle East and Europe had been affected by an electronic block on satellites used to broadcast the BBC Persian Television signal to Iran, adding: "It seems to be part of a pattern of behaviour by the Iranian authorities to limit the reporting of the aftermath of the disputed election".

Welch, David. “Nazi Propaganda: the powers and limitations”. Croom Helm, 1983

Hafezi, Parisa (14 June 2009). "Mousavi supporters call protest rally in Tehran". . . 

"Iran blocks access to Facebook: report". Gulf News. 24 May 2009. .

Colin Freeman; David Blair (14 June 2009). "Defeated Iranian reformist Mir-Hossein Mousavi calls for more protest against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad". The Telegraph (London). .

"Stop the blocking now". BBC News. 14 June 2009.  

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