http://ku-dk.academia.edu/AncutaTarta/Papers/331929/EU_Publi...


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Note added at 21 mins (2011-10-02 13:09:13 GMT)
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When developing the concept of the public sphere, the German philosopher Jürgen Habermas underlined the crucial role that the media plays in shaping the public sphere.

This third model regards the media as the “constructor” of the public sphere. Although there are several areas where people can interact directly and exchange opinions and information (coffee shops, clubs, university areas, parks etc), the media represents the most influential source of ideas and provides most input for political decision and opinion formation. Public opinion is therefore regarded as a media construct. The media act as gate keepers, allowing access of different individuals and group actors to expressing points of view and therefore influencing political decisions. This model is of particular interest in the research regarding the emergence of a European public sphere. The media represents the most important connection between the citizens and the European institutions and decision-making processes. People get their information about the activity of the European institutions from the media, and they have an image of the European Union based on what they see in the media.