Media and Democracy Chapter Notes | Window on the Word Class 7: Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

The Role of Media

The word "media" originates from the Latin word 'medium,' denoting the various channels through which information is conveyed in daily life.

Definition of Media

• Media refers to the means or channels used for communication.
• Mass media involves communication with a large audience simultaneously, including newspapers, television, and radio.
• 'The media' commonly signifies mass media, its content, and the individuals involved in its creation like news agencies and reporters.

Role of Media as an Information Provider

• In a successful democracy, well-informed citizens are crucial.
• The media informs the public about current events.
• By offering unbiased, genuine, and factually accurate news, the media aims to educate the public.
• Ideally, the media should present multiple perspectives on a story and enable the public to make informed decisions.
• However, in practice, the media is often constrained to portray the government positively.

Role of Media in Forming Public Opinion and Democracy

Role of Media in Forming Public Opinion

• The media plays a crucial role in creating and shaping public opinion, which represents the collective views of a population.
• Public opinion is significantly influenced by the information people consume from newspapers, television, and radio.
• Newspapers, television, and radio are instrumental in highlighting political, social, and economic issues, allowing people to form informed opinions.
• An impartial, independent, and fearless media is essential for the development of a strong and active public opinion.
• It is crucial to prevent vested interests from powerful entities like business houses, politicians, and religious groups from manipulating the media.
• The media serves as a platform for discussions, enabling debates on local, national, and international matters, as well as providing avenues for people to express their views on government actions.
• Public opinion functions as a guardian of democracy, safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens.

The Role of the Media in a Democracy

• The media plays a critical role in a democracy by empowering citizens and upholding democratic principles through the dissemination of accurate and unbiased information.
• Its primary function is to foster public opinion and engagement in democratic processes.

In a democracy, the government values public opinion to maintain public support and secure re-election.

Examples of Seeking Public Opinion:

• A government taskforce is gathering public feedback on utilizing artificial intelligence in various sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and the Aadhaar program.
• The taskforce aims to develop a policy for accelerated AI deployment and a five-year plan for its integration into government and industry research.
• Professor V Kamakoti emphasized the importance of public participation in exploring AI applications.
• Tamil Nadu Minister for Environment K.C. Karuppannan announced a committee's formation to collect public views on the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) and ONGC hydrocarbon projects.
• The State government will make decisions based on the committee's report.

Seeking public opinion is crucial for democratic governments to make informed decisions and uphold transparency.

Media's Role in Democracy and Media Ethics

• The media facilitates communication between the government and citizens.
• It conveys public opinions to the government.
• The media exposes corrupt activities within the government.
• Citizens form views on government performance and policies based on media information.
• People use newspapers and press to criticize or support the government, influencing policy changes.
• The government uses media to justify actions and showcase achievements for public support.

Media Ethics in Democracy

• Media ethics are crucial as media shapes public opinion.
• The media must act responsibly, serving the public's best interests.
• Ethical media practices are vital for democratic functioning.

Key aspects of media ethics include:

• Accuracy in reporting
• Objectivity in presentation
• Respect for privacy
• Accountability to the public

The Media and Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech is a crucial right given to citizens in most democratic nations. In a democracy, the media can fulfill its duties to society because it is safeguarded by the right to freedom of speech.

• The media can present accurate information, even if it means criticizing the government.
• It has the capacity to uncover wrongdoing and defend the rights of marginalized groups, even in the face of exploitation by the wealthy and influential.

However, this freedom has limits:

• The media cannot use freedom of expression to harm India's sovereignty, integrity, or security, or to disturb law and order.
• It must not misuse this right by slandering individuals, publishing indecent content, or committing contempt of court.

The media plays a crucial role in a democratic society. Here are the key points:

• The media should operate freely and independently without influence from political, economic, or religious entities. Independent media should report events in a balanced and unbiased manner, keeping the judiciary in check by truthfully reporting activities.
• Accuracy and fairness are essential in news reporting. Facts should not be suppressed.
• Avoiding the defamation of individuals or communities is important to maintain unity and peace.
• The media should handle sensitive information cautiously to prevent inciting violence.
• In a democracy, the media is answerable to both the government and the citizens. The Indian government has established laws and codes of conduct for media regulation, such as the Newspaper and Broadcasting Code of 1962.
• In 1965, the Press Council Act was enacted, leading to the formation of the Press Council of India (PCI) in 1966. The PCI aims to maintain the independence of newspapers, establish a code of conduct for journalists, raise awareness about citizen rights and responsibilities, monitor foreign funding to prevent threats to national security, and prevent media ownership monopolies.
• By safeguarding press freedom, the PCI plays a vital role in upholding democracy. It has the authority to question news that breaches ethical standards or public sensibilities and can investigate journalists for professional misconduct.

Right to Information (RTI) Act

• To ensure the smooth functioning of a democracy, citizens should have access to information. This enables them to develop an informed opinion about the functioning of the government.
• RTI (Right to Information) Act is an improvement upon the Freedom of Information Act, 2002. Its aim is to promote transparency and accountability in the working of the government.
• People can seek information from the government or any public body about their concerns.
• Information must be provided within 30 days, or within 48 hours if it pertains to life and security.
• Government bodies are required to digitize their records for easy access by citizens.

How to file an RTI application:

1. Write an application specifying the information sought and pay a fee of Rs. 10.
2. Submit evidence of payment with the application.
3. Send the application to the Public Information Officer (PIO).
4. If information is not received within 30 days, file a First Appeal.
5. The appeal goes to the First Appellate Authority, and the citizen receives information.

Since the RTI Act's introduction in 2005, citizens have used it to access information on various issues like corruption, exploitation of resources, and delays in public services.

Two major scams unveiled through RTI:

• The Adarsh Housing Society Scam: A building in Mumbai meant for war widows was illegally allotted to officials, leading to resignations and arrests.

The 2G Scandal and Right to Information (RTI)

• The 2G Scandal: This scandal was uncovered by RTI activists. It revealed widespread corruption in the allocation of telecom licenses by the Telecom Ministry, causing a loss of over ₹1,50,000 crore to the Indian government. Key officials, including the telecom minister, were arrested.
• Significance of the Right to Information (RTI): The right to information is crucial for a functioning democracy. It promotes accountability and good governance. Despite its importance, RTI activists are increasingly facing threats and attacks, highlighting the need for enhanced protection for individuals seeking information under the RTI Act.