Social and Political Influence of the Media on Corruption

Mass media occupy an important position in the political life of society. Therefore, in carrying out their functions, they are significantly influenced by various state institutions. In various countries, the position of the media is characterized by the fact that they are to some extent dependent on the authorities or have a greater degree of freedom in carrying out their activities. It can be noted that in numerous countries, the media are state-owned, their subordinate position does not allow them to properly cover problems that directly affect the well-being of the national society, namely the problems of corruption, if this information contradicts the interests of certain sociopolitical structures. The connection of the media with the ruling political elites is a factor that determines a negative or positive impact on the processes in the political life of the society. Using a regional approach, methods of analysis, comparison in the states of different regions, a negative dynamic can be traced, namely that in whole regions of the world, low levels of press freedom correlate with high levels of corruption and as a result with low living standards of the population. A direct correlation between the level of corruption and the status of the media can be observed. In regions without freedom of the press, this instrument is not used for the benefit of public interests. Thus, by modernizing the position of this instrument, it is possible to conduct anti-corruption policy much more effectively. The status of the media in the political system as a special social institution and instrument of influence on societies is determined by the degree of their independence from political elites and, therefore, the state faces the task of ensuring true freedom of speech, implemented, among other things, in the fight against corruption at the national level.