Provides an overview of how publishing in print and electronic forms has been tied closely to democratic ideals for centuries. Explores how the idea of the public is central to the theory and practice of media politics, and how the contested concepts of "the public sphere" and "public opinion" have long been linked to debates about the proper relationship between media and democratic citizenship. Restricted to Journalism majors with a minimum of 75 hours taken. Same as JOUR 5791. Prerequisites: Restricted to School of Journalism and Mass Communication majors with a minimum of 75 hours taken.