how does mass media act as a watchdog over government
Watchdog journalism The role of a watchdog journalist can be that of a protector or guardian. The role of a watchdog journalist as a guardian is to supply the citizens with information they must have "to prevent the abuse of power",[4] and to "warn citizens about those that are doing them harm".[5] In order to conduct their role as a watchdog, journalists need to have a certain distance from the powers and challenge them,[6] as opposed to "propagandist" journalists,[7] who are loyal to the ruling powers and elites. Because of the power distance and its overseeing function, watchdog journalism often officiates as the fourth estate,[8] or is used in the context of that term.[9] The array of topics for watchdog journalism is wide and includes "personal scandals, financial wrongdoing, political corruption, enrichment in public office, and other types of wrongdoing".[10] In order to expose wrongdoings the watchdog aims at "finding hidden evidence".[11] The aforementioned aspects are necessary for the role of the watchdog journalist to help "maintain order" and "warn against disorder".[12]
Freedom of the press This philosophy is usually accompanied by legislation ensuring various degrees of freedom of scientific research (known as scientific freedom), publishing, and press. The depth to which these laws are entrenched in a country's legal system can go as far down as its constitution. The concept of freedom of speech is often covered by the same laws as freedom of the press, thereby giving equal treatment to spoken and published expression.