Navigating the Relationship between Media and Politics through Ethical Storytelling

Hello! I am Laiba, and welcome to my capstone project for the “Media and Politics” minor. In the digital age, media has transcended its traditional role, morphing into a powerful tool that not only reflects but also actively shapes political ideologies and movements. From the revolutionary waves of the Arab Spring to the political discourse surrounding global crises such as the Syrian Civil War and the ongoing War on Gaza, the media has proven to be both a catalyst for political change and a vehicle for the entrenchment of power structures. Together, let’s delve into the transformative role of social media in political mobilization, examine media’s reflection and amplification of political agendas, and confront biases and stereotypical tropes in journalism. By dissecting these elements, I hope to highlight the dual-edged nature of media’s influence on politics (and vice versa) and advocate for integrity, empathy, and inclusivity in media practices. This type of media literacy has not only transformed my educational experience as a student but also influenced my aspirations as a future journalist. Through the course of this presentation, I hope you can better understand the need for ethical considerations in storytelling, a very important aspect of the relationship between media platforms and political landscapes.

Faculty Mentor: Prof. Rajiv Mishra

E-Portfolio: https://sites.northwestern.edu/mediapoliticscapstone/