What is the role of the media in our democracy?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the role that media has within a democracy.
Key learning points
- Media includes mediums of getting information out to the masses on a large scale.
- There are different types of media: broadcast (TV, radio) print (newspapers, magazines) and new media (socials, blogs).
- The UK has a free press which means it is not subject to interference from the Government, this is vital in a democracy.
- Media supports democracy by providing us with information, checking the work of the Government and allowing for debate.
Keywords
Media - mediums of information which can reach a large number of people, such as television, newspapers and social media
Democracy - a system of government where citizens are able to have their say
Representative demoracy - a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf
Free press - the right of media to report news and express opinions without government censorship or interference
Common misconception
The Government are able to control the media.
The media is separate from the Government and this is an important feature of a democracy.
Teacher tip
Focus on how the media provides free press and information so that we can digest this and form our own opinions about things, which is vital in a democracy.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which is an example of social media?
Q2.In the UK, who is allowed to buy newspapers?
Q3.Match the media type to its description.
you read it
you listen to it
you watch it
Q4.Who makes law and policy in the UK?
Q5.What are human rights?
Q6.Are newspapers able to print negative things about the Prime Minister?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which is a type of new media?
Q2.Which of the following best describes the key characteristics of the media in a democracy?
Q3.Which of the following is not a key role of the media in a democracy?
Q4.Why is there a limit on how many news sources one media corporation can own?
Q5.What type of democracy is it when we vote for people to make decisions about law and policy on our behalf?
Q6.Which of these describes free press?
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: What is the role of the media in our democracy?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: What is the role of the media in our democracy?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the How does the media hold those in power to account? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.