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

A. Choose the correct answer.

1.
Ans: (b)

2.
Ans: (b)

3.
Ans: (d)

4.
Ans: (b)

B. Fill In the blanks

1.
Ans: Media that are used to communicate with many people at once are known as mass media.

2.
Ans: The Newspaper and Broadcasting Code of 1962 was passed to regulate the media.

3.
Ans: The media plays a key role in facilitating communication between government and citizens.

4.
Ans: RTI aims to promote transparency and accountability in the working of the government.

5.
Ans: The Press Council Act was passed in 1965.

C. Mark the following as True or False. Correct the ones that are false.

1.
Ans: False.
The opinion of the public is shaped by what people read and hear in the media which includes newspapers, television, and radio, not just the Internet.

2.
Ans: False.
It is the responsibility of the media to present news that is unbiased, authentic and factually correct, not just represent the government in a positive light.

3.
Ans: True.

4.
Ans: False.
The Press Council of India does have the power to question a journalist for professional misconduct.

5.
Ans: True.

D. Answer in one or two sentences.

1.
Ans: Mass media refers to the means of mass communication, or communication with many people at the same time, such as newspapers, television and radio.

2.
Ans: Public opinion refers to the collective opinion of the majority of a population, which is largely shaped by what people read and hear in the media.

3.
Ans: The fundamental right that gives the media the right to freely express thoughts is the right to freedom of speech.

4.
Ans: Two aims of the Press Council of India are to help newspapers maintain their independence and to prepare a code of conduct for newspapers and journalists.

5.
Ans: The RTI was passed to promote transparency and accountability in the working of the government, enabling citizens to develop an informed opinion about the functioning of the government.

E. Answer In a paragraph

1.
Ans: The media plays a crucial role in creating and shaping public opinion by bringing various political, social and economic issues to public attention. This enables people to develop an informed opinion on the problems and issues that the country and its people face. The media should ideally present both sides of a story and then leave it to the public to arrive at an informed decision. However, it is often influenced by powerful business houses, politicians and religious groups. Therefore, an impartial, independent and fearless media is needed to develop a robust and active public opinion.

2.
Ans: I agree that the media has a critical role to play in a democracy. The media acts as a bridge between the government and the citizens, communicating information from one to the other. It provides citizens with accurate and unbiased information, enabling them to form views on the performance of the government and its policies. By exposing corrupt activities and highlighting achievements, the media holds the government accountable and encourages transparency. It also provides a platform for citizens to voice their opinions, thereby fostering public debate and participation in the democratic process.

3.
Ans: Media ethics refers to principles and standards that guide media practices. It implies that the media should act freely and independently, not controlled by any political, economic or religious group. The media should report news accurately and fairly, not suppress facts or malign any individual or community. The media should also ensure that sensitive information that could incite violence is presented carefully. Thus, ethical practices in media are integral to the smooth functioning of democracy.

4.
Ans: The Press Council of India (PCI) regulates the press in India by ensuring the freedom of the press and upholding the standards of journalistic ethics. It helps newspapers maintain their independence and prepares a code of conduct for them and journalists. The PCI watches out for any foreign assistance received by any newspaper or news agency in India, as it could indicate a threat to the security and sovereignty of India. It also watches out for activities which could result in monopoly or concentration of ownership of newspapers. The PCI has the right to question any news which violates the standards of journalistic ethics or public taste and can hold an inquiry against a journalist for committing professional misconduct.

5.
Ans: According to the RTI Act, information requested must be provided within 30 days, or within 48 hours if it concerns someone's life and security. To obtain information, citizens have to write an application specifying the particulars of the information sought and pay a fee of Rs. 10. They then submit the evidence of payment of application fee along with the application to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO). If the information is not received after 30 days, or if it is not complete, the citizen can file a First Appeal. Subsequently, the appeal is sent to the First Appellate Authority in the same department as the PIO, and the citizen receives the information.