How Public Perceptions of How Media and NGOs Contribute to Civil Society

Abstract

Both media and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have important roles to play in the development of civil society across the world. The media provide information about democratic change, champion social and political issues, and their investigative reporting can expose corruption of political leaders. NGOs also contribute to civil society by advocating for the under-represented, serving marginalized publics, and agenda setting. The purpose of this article is to explore the ways in which Croatian citizens perceive the media's and NGOs' contributions to a civil society as their nation moves toward European Union (EU) accession. It reports the results of a longitudinal case study during a pivotal time in Croatia’s accession process (2000-2002).