KORUPCIJOS VALDYMAS IR KONTROLE PANAUDOJANT ŽINIASKLAIDOS SEKTORIU: KORUPCIJOS PREVENCIJA STIPRINANT SPAUDOS LAISVE
CORRUPTION AND MEDIA SECTOR: CORRUPTION PREVENTION VIA STRENGTHENING PRESS FREEDOM

Summary/Abstract: Corruption prevention is an important measure addressing corruption because it targets the very roots of corruption phenomenon. Repressive measures, indeed, are also important, but they are mostly oriented to the symptoms of that phenomenon. The article analyses the impact of press freedom on corruption in mass-media sector in particular and in society in general. In order to achieve this goal, relevant scientific literature and most important empirical research on the subject were analysed. Analysis of scientific literature on the subject and relevant empirical research has shown a causal relationship between (level of) press freedom and (level of) corruption in most countries. Accordingly, mass media as a “watchdog” plays an important role in corruption prevention. Free press discloses cases of corrupt behaviour, demands accountability for it and formulates negative public opinion towards corruption. On the other hand, if reporting on corrupt practices becomes too intense, it could increase an apathy towards corruption in society. Nevertheless, free press is undoubtedly effective indirect measure to prevent corruption and more of press freedom leads to less corruption. Especially, this is the case, when it comes hand in hand with strong competition in the media market, high level of economic freedom and high standards of democracy. In Lithuania, freedom of the press is in a relatively good position, comparing it to other countries. On the other hand, there are potential dangers to it, introduced in recent Government legislative initiatives, related to free access to information and ideological control of media content. In order to curb corruption using media sector, it is important to strengthen freedom of press using various economic, legal or educational measures. For instance, criminal liability for defamation should be abolished as a disproportional measure. In addition, freedom of the press could be strengthened by financial support provided to investigative journalism projects, also by organising trainings, establishing scholarships or awards for the best researches, and finally, by encouraging transparency while disclosing the ownership of the media outlets.

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