I strongly agree that the more government proceedings-debates, meeting, and so
forth-that are televised, the more society will benefit overall. Nevertheless, undue
emphasis on this means of informing a constituency has the potential for harmwhich
any society must take care not to allow.
Access to government
proceedings via television carries several significant benefits.
The main benefit lies in two
useful archival functions of videotaped proceedings.
First,videotapes are valuable supplements to conventional means of record keeping.
Although written transcripts and audiotapes might provide an accurate record of
what is said, only videotapes can convey the body language and other visual clues
that help us understand what people say, whether they are being disingenuous, sarcastic,
or sincere. Secondly, videotape archives provide a useful catalogue for documentary
journalists.
Televised proceedings also provide three other useful functions. First, for shut-ins
and people who live in remote regions, it might be impracticable, or even impossible,
to view government proceedings in person. Secondly, with satellite television systems
it is possible to witness the governments of other cities, states, and even nations
at work.This sort of exposure provides the
viewer a valuable sense of perspective, an
appreciation for other forms of government, and so forth.Thirdly, in high schools and
universities, television proceedings can be useful curriculum supplements for students
of government,
public policy, law, and even public speaking.
Nevertheless, televising more and more government proceedings carries certain
risks that should not be ignored. Watching
televised government proceedings is inherently
a rather passive experience.The viewer cannot voice his or her opinions,
objections, or otherwise contribute to what is being viewed.Watching televised proceedings
as a substitute for active participation in the political process can, on a mass
scale, undermine the democratic process by way of its chilling effect on participation.
Undue emphasis on telegovernment poses the risk that government proceedings
will become mere displays, or shows, for the public, intended as public relations
ploys and so-called "photo opportunities," while the true business of government is
moved behind closed doors.
In sum, readier access to the day-to-day business of a government can only serve
to inform and educate. Although
undue reliance on televised proceedings for information
can quell active involvement and serve as a censor for people being televised,
I think these are risks worth taking in the interest of disclosure.
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