Important Questions: Understanding Media | Social Studies (SST) Class 7 PDF Download

Q1: Define the term "media" and explain why it is often used collectively for radio, TV, newspapers, and the internet.
Ans: Media refers to various means of communication in society, including radio, TV, newspapers, and the internet. It is collectively used because it encompasses all forms of communication.

Q2: Discuss the role of technology in mass media and how it has changed over the years.
Ans: Technology in mass media, such as TV and the internet, has evolved rapidly, enabling broader reach and improving the quality of sound and images. This advancement has transformed the ways we perceive our lives.

Q3: Why are newspapers referred to as "print media," and how does this naming relate to the technology they use?
Ans: Newspapers are called print media because they use printing technology. The term emphasizes the different technologies employed by various forms of media.

Q4: Explain how television has influenced our perception of a global world, and what role technology plays in this.
Ans: Television, through satellite and cable technology, brings images from around the world to our screens, fostering a sense of a global community. Technology facilitates the transmission of TV signals over vast distances.

Q5: Discuss the expenses associated with mass media and why most TV channels and newspapers are part of big business houses.
Ans: Mass media technologies are costly, including TV studios with lights, cameras, and satellites. To cover these costs, media outlets often belong to large business houses.

Q6: How does mass media earn money, and what role do advertisements play in generating revenue?
Ans: Mass media earns money through advertising various products. Advertisements, shown during TV shows or in newspapers, contribute significantly to revenue.

Q7: Elaborate on the role of media in a democracy, emphasizing how it informs citizens about government workings.
Ans: In a democracy, media plays a crucial role in providing news and discussing events, helping citizens understand government functioning and enabling them to take informed actions.

Q8: What is meant by a "balanced media report," and why is it important for citizens in a democracy?
Ans: A balanced media report presents all points of view on a story, allowing readers to form their own opinions. In a democracy, it ensures that citizens receive unbiased information.

Q9: Explain the concept of an "independent media" and its significance in a democracy.
Ans: Independent media is free from external influence or control, allowing it to report news objectively. In a democracy, an independent media is vital for informed decision-making by citizens.

Q10: Why is media often considered not truly independent, and what factors contribute to its lack of independence?
Ans: Media's ties to business, government control, and financial dependence on advertisements can compromise its independence, leading to biased reporting.

Q11: Define censorship and provide an example of when the government censored the media in Indian history.
Ans: Censorship refers to the prevention of sharing certain content with the public. An example is the censorship during the Emergency period in India between 1975–1977.

Q12: How does media "set the agenda," and why does it focus on specific issues?
Ans: Media sets the agenda by deciding what stories to focus on, influencing public thoughts and actions. It often concentrates on issues considered newsworthy or interesting to the public.

Q13: Illustrate a situation where the media positively influenced public awareness, as mentioned in the chapter.
Ans: The media drew attention to high pesticide levels in cola drinks, raising awareness about the need for monitoring according to international safety standards.

Q14: Provide an example of when the media failed to focus on a significant issue affecting people's lives.
Ans: The chapter mentions the lack of media attention to issues like drinking water problems, despite being a major concern affecting thousands of lives.

Q15: As citizens in a democracy, why is it important for us to analyze news reports critically, and what questions should we ask?
Ans: It is crucial to analyze news critically as reports may be incomplete or biased. Questions to ask include: What information am I learning? What is not provided? Whose point of view is presented, and whose is left out, and why?