The importance to society of journalistic coverage of the legislative process.

 The legislative process is the typical function of the Legislative Branch and, according to Pedro Lenza, "the legislative process consists of the procedural rules, constitutionally provided for, for the elaboration of normative instruments, rules that must be carefully observed by the 'actors' involved in the process" (LENZA, 2011, p. 492). 

 We begin with this quote from Pedro Lenza to illustrate the seriousness of a legislative process, which confuses the role of informing, in press coverage, with the legislative process in all its stages. 

 The relationship between democracy and information is a constant topic of debate within society and the political class as a whole. This is obviously true within the Legislative Assemblies—as well as the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate, and the City Councils spread throughout Brazil. 

 State representatives, the main players in the House, want to show their commitment to their voters, whether by presenting draft bills, allocating amendments and funds from the state budget to their electoral districts, or even honoring public figures.

 It's natural that parliamentarians want publicity for all of this, and journalistic coverage, both from the House's communications office and from the mainstream press, is present to publicize this work. 

 This is of fundamental importance in bringing information to the attention of the average public, since very few people have access to the so-called "House of the People." 

 Primarily due to two main factors: besides the limited space available to the public in the galleries, transparency remains a distant reality in the vast majority of parliaments.

 However, we must not forget that the legislature is the stage for major political decisions that influence the lives of all citizens. 

 Therefore, efficient and impartial journalistic coverage of parliamentary activities is important not only for the deputies, but mainly for the thousands of people who do not have access to the House and, in the vast majority of cases, are unaware of the procedures and the legislative process. 

 That's where the laws that govern citizens' lives are created—and citizens haven't the slightest idea how they are drafted, debated, and voted on, or what interests are behind them. 

 Similarly, how do the sessions and thematic committees work, and what is the day-to-day life of your representative in the legislature like?

 The effective performance of such coverage also enables citizens to monitor, oversee, and track the actions of parliamentarians. 

 For the same reason, effective journalistic coverage must also be pursued by the institution, in order to gain strength and credibility with public opinion and not be dictated to by the mainstream media, but also to acquire the ability to set its own agenda. 

 Quality public communication is a social demand for the right to information. Therefore, it is essential to respect some of its fundamental principles, such as transparency and the guarantee of full access to information, so that it can be understood by the average citizen. 

 Not only those who are fluent in political jargon, but also those committed to fostering citizenship and the well-being of community life, in addition to forming citizens who actively participate in the process.

 In the legislative process, which is an activity that guarantees the publicity of debates, decisions, and stages of building political agreements, the dissemination of this debate is more than necessary. It brings together the rules, defined in agreement by the parties and expressed in the Constitution and the Internal Regulations, aiming to transform something that begins as a proposal from a group of citizens into a matter of public interest (for everyone). 

 One cannot speak of creating laws without debate and publicity, without transparency and disclosure in all acts and parts of this process. This includes press coverage and dissemination, as well as allowing access for this purpose. 

 During their term in office, politicians generate both good and bad news, which should be reported equally. However, in practice, this is not what happens. 

 Negative events generally receive prominent coverage in newspapers and television programs, while occurrences that generate good news have, at most, a very discreet presence in print or television media coverage.

 However, it turns out that good news doesn't sell newspapers or generate viewership. What sparks public interest are scandals, or something like that—in short, anything that brings a negative aspect to the news.

 This coverage, therefore, is guided by certain criteria that direct the decisions of newsrooms and editors about what should be published. Thus, according to these criteria, political scandal is at the top of the priorities (it's what sells newspapers and gets high ratings), while the debate on any issue of state public policy is seen only as legislative routine and will inevitably not occupy much space in the news.

 The importance of monitoring the legislative process for society, the public, and democracy is intertwined with the need for broad journalistic coverage, which aims to inform about the facts, the form, the creation, the idea, and the social benefits of this process.

 Observe that the true mission of the press, more than simply informing and disseminating facts, is to spread knowledge, disseminate culture, enlighten consciences, and channel popular aspirations. To guide public opinion towards good and truth. However, freedom of expression and thought are necessary, because the press has a duty to inform and the population has the right to be informed. 

 Paulo Ramon da Silva Solla, in his article on the portal jus.com.br: — “The legislative process is the procedure by which laws are created; these same laws create rights, and these rights, in a Democratic State of Law, under the mantle of the democratic principle, must necessarily aim to guarantee the minimum participation of citizens, as well as guarantee a minimum of rights capable of meeting social demand.”  

 Imagine if all of this weren't brought to the attention of citizens, of society as a whole. Hence the importance of everyone following along, and how, unnoticed, journalistic coverage makes it happen. 

 Let's go. Within the Legislative branch, the democratic principle translates into the possibility of broad access and participation of the population, whether in political decisions or in the discussion of bills, as well as in monitoring the voting process, its conduct and development. 

 Given the importance of widespread dissemination, journalistic coverage is necessary for the entire process. Since the public is not in the habit of actively participating in this monitoring, the press does so, as it is also their role.

 According to the 1988 Federal Constitution, every individual has the right to information. This guarantee is evident in practice, considering the importance of the press in disseminating information to the Brazilian population. From this perspective, it is worth highlighting its importance for maintaining democracy and social well-being.

 The state legislature is exercised by the legislative assemblies, at the municipal level by the municipal councils, and at the federal level by the Federal Chamber. We all know this, but what we don't know is how the legislative process is conducted, discussed, and drafted. Hence the importance of press coverage in this process, as we mentioned earlier. 

 Access to information is a fundamental human right for the exercise of citizenship and the strengthening of democracy. In guaranteeing this right, in addition to their role of informing, journalists, communicators, and media outlets play an essential role in holding governments and public authorities accountable and providing transparency to the legislative process for society. 

 Therefore, along with the press, the population needs to be careful to monitor and, most importantly, hold accountable and know how to choose their representatives. 

 We can no longer allow the destruction of our country, of its ethical, moral, and human values. This year we had elections, and we had a duty to look at and understand what we were going through, and we changed it. With the majority of votes, we elected a new government for our Brazil. 

 The formation of a well-informed public opinion is fundamental to a democratic regime. Only through a public opinion formed in these terms can the conduct of public affairs, public norms, and social laws be ensured.

 Democratic salvation came through the vote; we had the awareness to change the nefarious, gray, and cruel history we are still living through. We Brazilians have a duty to look to the past and remember the absurdities we are experiencing under this disastrous, militia-backed government. But hope was not lacking, and with the vote we changed, without fear of being happy.      

 We understand the warning that the worst might be yet to come. The change is now, within each of us!