The fundamental role of the news media is simply to report fair and balanced information to citizens. In doing so the news media acts as a ‘watchdog’ or power check, protecting the rights and interests of citizens. While factors such as entertainment undeniably hold some importance to the news media, it is the watchdog function of the news media that is fundamental to the workings of a democracy.
http://blog.labour.org.nz/2013/05/09/media-freedom-an-endangered-species-in-nz/
MEDIA FREEDOM in NEW ZEALAND 