5. To what extent should the private lives of public figures be the subject of the media coverage?

Key terms: to what extent, should, private lives of public figures, subject, media coverage Intro: The media coverage on private lives of public figures creates a lot of hue and cries since the emergence of the new media. Yes, the media should cover the private lives of public figures, but the coverage should be only on those matters that would affect the benefit of the state or on moral issues which are frowned upon by the people of the state. Points For The private lives of public figures should be the subject of the media coverage because the public figures normally possess more power to influence the society. Hence they should be watched more closely than ordinary citizens to prevent them from abusing their power. The private life of the public figured should be covered by media to oversee whether they carry and practice the moral values that are acceptable by the society. e.g. The extra-marital affairs of the Workers Party s Member of Parliament Yaw Shin Leong was brought to the limelight by mass media, which led to the withdraw of the MP and an by-election. During the election time, the mass media may reveal the private lives of the candidates to show they are responsible person and have a stable family or a capable wife. This most recent and prominent example is Obamas first family. In Singapore context, candidates in last years presidential election also use this tactics. Against The public figures also have the right to enjoy their private lives and it ensured it is not ruined by paparazzi. The mass media maybe manipulated by the state to suppress the opposition party, political dissident or human right activist. e.g. Authoritarian regimes like the North Korea, China and Myanmar use propaganda to transmit false and negative image of the political dissidents However, this tactic is a two-edge sword. If the mass media is slanted to certain political parties, false image may be fabricated which could affect the election result. And if the public figures scandal is acceptable, the mass media will just harm the reputation of their country. E.g. the infamous affairs of Italy former president baluscorni.