Uncontrolled media

Nature

Development in mass media techniques has been so rapid and far-reaching that it is now uncontrollable. Owing to commercialization, subversive organizations may use the media for their own purposes. Contributors to surveys may restrict their own freedom. Despite censorship, alien propaganda may be spread by the use of sophisticated techniques, and where there is freedom of expression, monopoly of media outlets may restrict this freedom and issue unrepresentative information. Modern reproduction and dissemination techniques may facilitate copyright infringement.

Background

The global significance of uncontrolled media emerged with the rapid expansion of mass communication technologies in the late 20th century, particularly as satellite broadcasting and the internet bypassed traditional regulatory frameworks. Concerns intensified following high-profile incidents of misinformation and destabilization, prompting international debates on media governance. Over time, the proliferation of unregulated content has been increasingly recognized as a catalyst for social unrest, electoral interference, and the erosion of public trust in information sources.

Incidence

The media was heavily criticized in the June 1985 hijacking of a TWA airplane to Beirut, due to the amount of coverage it gave to the hijackers and their demands. The leaking by the press of the pre-summit letter (in the Reagan/Gorbachev summit, November 1985) from Defence Secretary Casper Weinberger to President Reagan, necessitated the launching of an investigation, as this leak was accused of being an attempt to sabotage the peace efforts of that meeting.

Claim

Uncontrolled media is a grave threat to society, fueling misinformation, division, and manipulation on an unprecedented scale. Without oversight, false narratives spread rapidly, undermining trust in institutions and eroding the very foundation of democracy. The unchecked power of media platforms enables bad actors to exploit vulnerable audiences, distort facts, and incite chaos. Addressing this urgent problem is essential to protect truth, public safety, and the integrity of our collective future.

Counter-claim

The so-called issue of "uncontrolled media" is vastly overstated and hardly a real problem. In today’s digital age, people have unprecedented access to diverse information sources, empowering them to think critically and make informed choices. Calls to control media often mask attempts to suppress free speech. Rather than fearing open discourse, we should celebrate it—uncontrolled media is a sign of a healthy, vibrant democracy, not a threat to society.