The reality of the mass media

Luhmann argues that the system of mass media is a set of recursive, self-referential programmes of comunication, whose functions are not determined by the external values of truthfulness, objectivity, or knowledge, nor by specific social interests or politiacl directives. Rather, he contends that the system of mass media is regulated by the internal code information/non-information, which enables the system to select its information (news) from its own environment and to communicate this information in accordance with its own reflexive criteria.