The philosopher Onora O'Neill criticises the standard of public debate on both sides of the European Union decision and asks how this democratic deficit can be repaired. This is a really excellent and highly intelligent commentary on the shortfalls of the media, and the same commentary applies across Europe, the US and all 'western' countries. Here is the clip, about ten minutes:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07l24cr

If, somehow, we could apply what is said here as a basis for holding the media to account and maybe even moving its role back to what it once was, it would be a great leap forward. We really are not served by highly a partisan media. This partisanship is the very reason why public trust of the media is so disasterously low around the planet.

Perhaps it will take the launch of new press and broadcasting bodies to bring this about - the old media organisations are completely 'dyed in the wool' in their attitudes, reinforced by owners who are themselves relentlessly partisan. Real transformation is rare, and in most cases, unlikely. The alternative media does much of good work - but, increasingly, it requires very active discernment to extract the sound and honest sources from much disinformation found on the web.

An important restoration is needed. Is it time for something new and completely in integrity to serve the populace honestly?

Xavier Hermes