"The Unlovable Press" Schudson's Argument

Michael Schudson makes an argument for good reporting in his analysis of "The Unlovable Press". Schudson calls for the media to 'chase ambulances and rake muck' to recognize what a representative democracy looks like and fill the role the media should. The focus of the proper media role in terms of a  self-governing society appeals to myself, especially in the American political culture which embraces the power of the citizens. Schudson lists out six functions of the press: information, investigation, analysis, social empathy, provision of a public forum and an advocate for political programs. The seventh, as I mentioned before, is to work in accordance with the function of the representative democracy. I interpret this to mean the media's role is to advocate and facilitate the free exchange of ideas. Michael Schudson notes that the age of internet is leading reporters away from the expensive investigative nature of 'good reporting' in his eyes. I completely agree with Schudson that the purpose of the media is to promote this free exchange of ideas and the convenience of new technology is diluting the information and the promotion of a representative democracy. The limits he outlines includes gathering sources, professional norms and conventional wisdom. Although Schudson does believe the press still manages to make life uncomfortable for powerful people and interests. Again I agree with Schudson's point that powerful people's lives are made uncomfortable by the press, but the focus should be on the dialogue of the citizenry.