On Media

 
Using the "lens" available through, and the Direct System paradigm inherent in, TQM, let us

1. Do a critique of Media [AS IS], and
   
2. Layout a re-designed Media [TO BE]
   

 
CLAUDE (AI)
 
Here is a TQM-inspired critique and redesign of media:

 
Critique of Media [AS IS]:

• Consolidation of media power into a few large corporations limits diversity of voices and perspectives represented.

• Focus on profit motives and advertising revenue incentivizes sensationalism, partisanship, and lack of in-depth investigative reporting.

• Opaque ties between media, political, and business interests enable spreading propaganda and discouraging dissent.

• Lack of transparency and accountability in sources, funding, conflicts of interest, and corrections of errors.

• Disempowers ordinary citizens from contributing perspectives or holding media accountable.

• Fails to meet diverse social needs for connection, education, cultural expression, and civic discourse.

 
Redesigned Media [TO BE]:

• Decentralize media power across diverse non-profit and community-owned outlets. Enable many voices.

• Citizen juries and public councils set standards and allocate public funding for media based on democratically determined needs.

• Transparent public databases disclose media ownership structures and funding details to expose conflicts of interest.

• Participative complaint and correction processes empower citizens to remedy biased or false reporting.

• Public broadcasting and community platforms enable citizens to share stories and perspectives easily.

• Support collaborative investigative journalism efforts on key issues of public interest.

• Media impact audits evaluate regularly if diverse social needs for information, discourse, education and cultural expression are fulfilled.

 
In summary, a TQM approach would redesign media as a decentralized public service focused on transparently meeting civic information needs rather than elite interests.