Understanding Media Chapter Notes | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

In a democracy, the people play a crucial role in shaping the government and its activities. Here are key points about the significance of people's voice:

• People in a democracy elect their representatives.
• Representatives form the government and provide inputs for all governmental activities.
• People in a democracy enjoy freedom of speech and expression.
• The voice of the people and their opinion are characteristic features of democracy.
• People's voice influences decision-making processes in a democratic system.

Understanding the importance of the people's voice is essential for a functioning democratic society.

Public Opinion

• Public opinion refers to the views of the common people on issues of their interest.
• It is neither the opinion of experts, nor the opinion of the majority but refers to a general opinion on an issue.
• It is considered a logical view of a section of society with a desire to influence the decision makers.
• Public opinion can change over a period of time. This is because the issues that capture the attention of the government and the people change with time. This is a reflection of the diversity of public opinion.

Media

• Public opinion is formed and expressed mainly through the accounts of events in various forms of mass media and means of communication such as radio, television, newspapers, and the Internet.

Print Media

• The print media comprises newspapers, journals, periodicals, magazines, and books.
• The print media sheds light on issues of current significance, builds public opinion on a particular issue, provides a forum for people to express their views, and provides information about events all over the world.
• Newspapers and magazines not only provide information about national and international issues but also give information on various political organizations and the policies and programs of the government.
• Newspapers are often called the 'lighthouse of democracy' as they formulate, mold, and express public opinion.

Electronic Media

• The electronic media in the form of radio, television, and the Internet is audio-visual in nature, seeking to bring about social transformation, educate the masses on sensitive issues, and analyze government policies and programs.
• Electronic media broadcasts national and international news and is a vital forum for public debates and discussions.
• Radio and television can reach a larger number of people compared to print media and help all sections of society to form an opinion.
• Radio is particularly effective in disseminating information in rural areas where access to other forms of media may be limited.
• Cinema also plays a role in forming public opinion by portraying social issues, encouraging audience engagement and reactions.

• Movies like Mirch Masala (1987) and Dor (2006) address women's empowerment issues.
• Documentary films on social and economic issues have a significant impact on viewers, sensitizing them to various societal problems.
• The Internet plays a crucial role in spreading important news and shaping public opinion.

Relationship between Media and Public Opinion

• The relationship between media and public opinion is symbiotic, with both influencing and affecting each other.
• The mass media help in formulating public opinion on important issues and provide a platform for people to express their views in a democratic setup.
• The media assists in voicing opinions on pressing social issues and topics.

Media and Democracy

Public opinion is crucial for a healthy and successful democracy. The media plays a vital role in providing correct and unbiased information on events and offering a platform for people to express their views.

• Public opinion acts as a link between the people and the government. Current affairs programs, interviews with political leaders, policy makers, and subject-matter experts help shape public opinion.
• The media holds representatives of the people accountable. It acts as a watchdog highlighting instances of government corruption and negligence.

Media Ethics and Accountability

The media's significant role in democracy is acknowledged, but it is also expected to adhere to a code of ethics:

• Distortion and sensationalization of news should be avoided.
• Controversial news should be verified and reported responsibly.
• The media should strive for balanced reporting, presenting all sides of a story for readers to form their own conclusions.
• Independence is crucial for writing a balanced report, ensuring reliability and unbiased information.
• Media should prioritize national issues over sensationalism.

Checks and Balances

The media requires a free and independent atmosphere to function effectively. While enjoying freedom, it is also subject to regulations:

• The press must be registered with regulatory bodies like the Registrar of Newspapers.
• Media freedom is derived from freedom of speech but is not absolute, with limitations on offensive content.

Broadcasting Code

The electronic media adheres to the Broadcasting Code, promoting objective news presentation, decency, education, and cultural advancement. It also emphasizes communal harmony, impartial coverage of public issues, and respect for human rights and dignity.

Press Council of India

Established in 1966, the Press Council of India safeguards press freedom, upholds press standards, and addresses complaints against unethical press practices while preserving press freedom.

• Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI) enacted by the Parliament of India to provide information rights to the people.
• RTI based on transparency, accountability, and empowerment, fostering trust in government decisions.
• Mandates prompt responses to citizens' inquiries about government operations.
• Initiated by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) movement for transparency in village accounts and wages.
• Success of MKSS inspired a broader discourse on the right to information in India.
• RTI aids in combating corruption by exposing dishonest and illegal conduct, including bribery.
• Advocacy for RTI started by the Consumer Education and Research Council in 1993.
• National Campaign on People's Right to Information formed in response to MKSS advocacy.
• Freedom of Information Act 2002 passed in Parliament, later amended and enacted as the Right to Information Act 2005.
• Key features of RTI Act include record maintenance by public authorities, public information disclosure, appointment of Public Information Officers, and citizens' rights to access information through various means.
• Information commissions established at the Centre and State levels to address public complaints.
• Exclusions from RTI Act involve matters affecting national security, sovereignty, economic interests, and illegal activities.