This article uses the Internet as a case study to examine how the media affects the making of public policy. In terms of its impact on public policy, the media serves as an intermediate and a watchdog, and it does so with remarkable unity. The mainstream media's influence on public policy has been greatly expanded with the advent of the anonymous, open, free, and initiative-filled internet in today's society. It is important to remember, however, that our flawed legal system and the people's apathy towards politics may have a negative impact on the media's ability to undermine governmental power and even influence the independence and accuracy with which public policy is established.
Key words: The mass media, Internet, Public policy, Influence.
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