a consensual process of surveillance

#1 (**permalink**) 13-Jun-2003, 00:50

Hi,

I am not quite sure about the underlined sentences, could anyone do me a favor?

The news media, according to the liberal pluralists, must carry out the crucial work of contributing to the system of checks and balances popularly held to be representative of domocratic structures and processes. More specifically, by fostering a public engagement with the issue of the day, they are regarded as helping to underwrite a consensual process of surveillance whereby the activities of the state and corporate sectors are made more reponsive to the dictates of public opinion.

Thank you .

#2 (**permalink**) 13-Jun-2003, 20:22

Hi Christine,

First, I am not a teacher, so a better explanation may appear later.

The news media must take it upon themselves, with the support of their customers, to make known the actions of government and business institutions. This gives people the knowledge to form opinions, which they can then act on.

Hope this helps.
John D.