Media and Democracy
Media and Democracy
Media and Democracy: In a democracy, the media plays a very important role in providing news and discussing events taking place in the country and the world. It is on the basis of this information that citizen’s can, if they wish to, they can take action on the basis of these news stories the media plays in providing information, it is important that the information be balanced. A balanced report is one that discusses all points of view of a particular story and then leaves it to the readers to make up their minds. Writing a balanced report, however, depends on the media being independent. An independent media means that no one should control and influence its coverage of news. No one should tell the media what can be included and what should not be included in a news story. An independent media is important in a democracy. It is on the basis of the information that the media provides that we take action as citizens, so it is important that this information is reliable and not biased. However, the reality is that media is far from independent. This is mainly because of two reasons. The first is the control that the government has on the media. When the government prevents either a news item, or scenes from a movie, or the lyrics of a song from being shared with the larger public, this is referred to as censorship. While the government does continue to censor films, it does not really censor the media coverage of news. Despite the absence of censorship by the government, most newspapers now a day’s still fail to provide a balanced story. The reasons for this are complicated. Persons who research the media have said that this happens because business houses control the media. At times, it is in the interest of these businesses to focus on only one side of the story. Media continual need for money and its links to advertising means that it becomes difficult for media to be reporting against people who give them advertisements. Media is, thus, no longer considered independent because of its close links to business.
Freedom of expression and public opinion: In a democracy, people have the right to express their views freely. These views form public opinion. The opinion of the public is mainly expressed through the media. Opinions of the people are greatly influenced by what they see and read in the media. Therefore, in a democracy, the media is expected to function with great responsibility.
Need for an independent media: A free and uncensored media has the responsibility of providing unbiased coverage of events. People have to be told the truth about the activities of the government.
An independent media also helps to keep the judiciary under check by reporting on the way the court decides case.
Media and access to information: Access to information is essential for the health of a democracy. The media also monitors whether the elected representatives carry out the wishes of those who elected them. Media helps proper governance by exposing corrupt activities of the people in power. It encourages the participation of citizens in policy process.
Media’s Need to Serve Public Interest: One of the primary aims of the media should be to serve public interest. The media should cover as many different viewpoints as possible. For this, there should be many equally powerful providers of media. If controlled by a few powerful groups, the media coverage will be biased. It will only give the viewpoint which serves its own purpose, not the public’s interest. If the media fails to cover different viewpoints and provide unbiased information, it will weaken the democracy.
Which of these roles played by the media is not associated with democracy ? | |||
| Right Option : C | |||
| View Explanation |
Media is no longer considered independent because its close association with ___________ . | |||
| Right Option : B | |||
| View Explanation | |||
________ plays an important role in democracy . | |||
| Right Option : A | |||
| View Explanation | |||
Students / Parents Reviews [10]
My experience with Abhyas is very good. I have learnt many things here like vedic maths and reasoning also. Teachers here first take our doubts and then there are assignments to verify our weak points.
Shivam Rana
7thAbout Abhyas metholodology the teachers are very nice and hardworking toward students.The Centre Head Mrs Anu Sethi is also a brilliant teacher.Abhyas has taught me how to overcome problems and has always taken my doubts and suppoeted me.
Shreya Shrivastava
8thIt was good as the experience because as we had come here we had been improved in a such envirnment created here.Extra is taught which is beneficial for future.
Eshan Arora
8thIt has a great methodology. Students here can get analysis to their test quickly.We can learn easily through PPTs and the testing methods are good. We know that where we have to practice
Barkha Arora
10thBeing a parent, I saw my daughter improvement in her studies by seeing a good result in all day to day compititive exam TMO, NSO, IEO etc and as well as studies. I have got a fruitful result from my daughter.
Prisha Gupta
8thOne of the best institutes to develope a child interest in studies.Provides SST and English knowledge also unlike other institutes. Teachers are co operative and friendly online tests andPPT develope practical knowledge also.
Aman Kumar Shrivastava
10thAbhyas is a complete education Institute. Here extreme care is taken by teacher with the help of regular exam. Extra classes also conducted by the institute, if the student is weak.
Om Umang
10thA marvelous experience with Abhyas. I am glad to share that my ward has achieved more than enough at the Ambala ABHYAS centre. Years have passed on and more and more he has gained. May the centre flourish and develop day by day by the grace of God.
Archit Segal
7thI have spent a wonderful time in Abhyas academy. It has made my reasoning more apt, English more stronger and Maths an interesting subject for me. It has given me a habbit of self studying
Yatharthi Sharma
10thAbhyas Methodology is very good. It is based on according to student and each child manages accordingly to its properly. Methodology has improved the abilities of students to shine them in future.
