Analyzing corruption possibilities in the gaze of the media

In this paper I analyze the economic incentives that govern the strategic relationship between the government and the independent media using a consistent analytical framework. The analysis focuses on the extent to which the ‘free’ press can act as a deterrent to corruption in governance. I find that although ‘press freedom’ is indeed important as stressed in the existing literature, both mutually profitable cover-up arrangements as well as the government’s ability to ‘manage’ the media’s allegations tend to have a substantial negative impact on the media’s role as an effective watchdog. Also, more competition in the media sector need not necessarily translate into increased deterrence from corruption. – media ; corruption ; political accountability ; governance ; contest