The Essence of Modern Media: A Medium for Big and Small Truths

It's not often that you get a deep dive into the social and spiritual context of journalism, but that's exactly what the Oxford Dominicans provided at their conference 'Truth-telling and the Media.' The event, while not delving into current issues, gave us valuable context on how journalism fundamentally shapes our understanding of the world. Professor Nicholas Boyle, a Goethe expert, provided insights on how media helps us relate to big societal issues in a more personal and manageable way.

From the Small Society to the Big Society

Human beings can relate to a small group, a tribe of no more than 150 people, as postulated by Dunbar's number. However, we now live in a far larger society - the state, the economy, and global society - which comprises millions of individuals. These people are largely unknown to us yet interconnected through currency exchange and elections.

Here lies the function of newspapers and other mass media: they help us feel at home in this big world. By addressing the Prime Minister as 'Dave,' discussing President Hollande, or elevating celebrities to make them relatable, the media humanizes the society we live in, making it more manageable for us to comprehend and engage with.

According to Professor Boyle, this process of making the big society feel like a small society is a valuable function. It provides us with a sense of community and helps us navigate a world that can otherwise feel overwhelming. He emphasizes that while this function is crucial, it's also important to recognize the limitations and potential pitfalls of media in shaping our understanding of the world.

Limitations and Pitfalls

While Professor Boyle's perspective was optimistic, my own contribution to the discussion took a more critical view. I highlighted how print journalists struggle to tell the whole truth due to budget constraints. Newspapers often commission comment pieces due to their lower cost compared to hiring news reporters. Additionally, there are self-imposed limitations on what is considered socially responsible to discuss. For instance, during Tony Blair's tenure, issues like immigration were often discussed in vague terms, overshadowing the demographic changes occurring within society.

The media also has the potential to magnify our sense of self, making us believe we are at the center of the universe. However, at its best, it can serve as a public square for discussion and action, translating societal virtues into political and economic terms.

One of the challenges in discussing key societal issues is the fear of offending certain groups or being seen as too controversial. For example, the BBC's initial reluctance to report on abuse cases in Rochdale conducted by Muslim Asian men against vulnerable white girls hindered a truthful understanding of the problem. Similarly, the transgender phenomenon, while poorly understood, now receives obsessive media attention.

Bridging the Gap Between Macro and Micro

Journalists play a crucial role in bringing big societal issues - politics and the economy - into a human scale. While we may aim for a larger audience, most journalists actually write with a smaller, core audience in mind. We often have a few dozen readers or listeners in mind who share a similarity of thought or reference points. Writing for The Spectator or The Evening Standard feels like writing for a community, as these readers have similar perspectives and preoccupations.

The best journalists are those who think both small and big. They provide a sense of community and embed complex issues in a relatable context. This approach not only makes the reader feel at home but also fosters a deeper understanding of the world we share.