Chapter 2
Critical Journalism and Public Interest
“Critical thinking is the most important factor with chess. As it is in life, you need to think before you make decisions.” – Hikaru Nakamura
Critical journalism plays a central role in a caring governance model by acting as a watchdog, uncovering truths, and holding power to account. However, for journalism to fulfill its public interest mandate, it must be rooted in epistemic rigor. This means that journalists must prioritize accuracy, context, and fairness, while also being transparent about their methods and sources. In an omnicratic system, journalism must go beyond merely informing the public; it must actively engage citizens in the co-creation of knowledge and the resolution of societal challenges. This requires a shift from one-way communication to participatory journalism, where citizens are not just passive consumers of news but active contributors to the discourse (Lewis, 2012). For instance, collaborative investigative projects that involve citizen journalists and open-source intelligence (OSINT) can democratise the production of knowledge and ensure that diverse perspectives are represented.
Media Education, Critical Media Literacy, and Citizenship
Media education and critical media literacy are cornerstones of epistemic knowledge, as they equip individuals with the skills to critically analyze media content, understand its underlying biases, and recognize its impact on public opinion. Critical media literacy, in particular, encourages individuals to interrogate the social, political, and economic contexts in which media is produced and consumed, fostering a deeper understanding of how power operates in society (Kellner & Share, 2019). In a caring governance model, media education and critical media literacy must be integrated into formal and informal learning environments, from schools to community workshops. By fostering media literacy and critical media literacy, societies can cultivate informed citizens who are capable of engaging in meaningful dialogue, challenging misinformation, and advocating for policies that serve the public interest (Hobbs, 2010). Moreover, media education and critical media literacy can empower individuals to use digital tools creatively and responsibly, enabling them to participate in civic life and contribute to the collective good. For example, media-literate citizens can leverage social media platforms to organize grassroots movements, share reliable information, and hold leaders accountable.
Citizenship and the Pursuit of Karma, Dharma, Arth, and Moksha
In an omnicratic system, citizenship is redefined as an active, participatory role that goes beyond voting or paying taxes. Omnicracy has a higher potential to facilitate the achievement of the fundamental goals of humans – ‘goals of a meaningful life’. It involves a commitment to Karma (right action), Dharma (moral duty), Arth (material well-being), and Moksha (spiritual liberation). Epistemic knowledge, combined with critical media literacy, enables citizens to align their actions with these principles by providing them with the understanding and tools needed to make ethical decisions, contribute to societal well-being, and pursue personal and collective fulfillment. For instance, a citizen informed by epistemic knowledge and critical media literacy might advocate for policies that promote economic equity (arth), environmental sustainability (dharma), and social harmony (karma), while also seeking personal growth and spiritual enlightenment (moksha). This holistic approach to citizenship fosters a sense of purpose and interconnectedness, addressing the discontent and alienation that often arise in traditional democratic systems.