How Might Journalists Influence Policy Through the Use of Leaks

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The Answer is Journalists can influence policy through the use of leaks by bringing attention to government actions that may be controversial or in violation of laws or ethical standards. By publishing leaked information, journalists can spark public debate and pressure policymakers to address the issues raised.

One timely example of this is the case of Edward Snowden and the NSA (National Security Agency) leaks. In 2013, Snowden, a former NSA contractor, leaked classified information to journalists, revealing the extent of the NSA's surveillance programs, including the collection of phone records of millions of Americans. The journalists who received this information, including Glenn Greenwald and Laura Poitras, worked with major news outlets to publish stories based on the leaked documents.

The publication of these stories sparked a global debate about government surveillance and privacy rights. It led to significant public outcry and calls for reform of surveillance laws and practices. As a result, policymakers were forced to address the issue, leading to changes in surveillance policies and increased oversight of intelligence agencies.

In this example, journalists used leaks to expose government actions that were controversial and potentially unconstitutional, leading to a significant impact on policy. By bringing the information to light and engaging the public in the debate, journalists were able to influence policy and bring about change.

Overall, journalists can influence policy through the use of leaks by shining a light on government actions and sparking public debate. The Snowden-NSA example demonstrates the power of leaks in shaping policy and holding government accountable.

How Might Journalists Influence Policy Through the Use of Leaks

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