Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1.
Ans: (c) a general opinion on an issue
Public opinion is the collective opinion of a section of society that seeks to influence decision makers. It is not merely the view of experts or a simple majority, but a broader consensus that might emerge on particular issues.
Q2.
Ans: (c) both of them
Public opinion is shaped and communicated through various media outlets, including both television and newspapers. These forms of media provide coverage of events and issues that help form public opinion.
Q3.
Ans: (a) changeable
Public opinion is dynamic and can change over time as new issues arise and societal perspectives evolve.
Q4.
Ans: (a) print media
Newspapers fall under the category of print media, which includes any written media that is physically printed.
Q5.
Ans: (b) documentary
A documentary is a type of film that is primarily focused on presenting facts and reality, without fictional elements.
Q6.
Ans: (a) national issues
Media plays a crucial role in a democracy by focusing on national issues that affect the wellbeing of the public rather than sensationalism or advertisements.
Q7.
Ans: (a) 1966
The Press Council of India was established in 1966 to maintain the standards of press in India and act as a watchdog ensuring journalistic ethics.
Q8.
Ans: (b) 1962
The Broadcasting Code, which dictates the ethical standards for broadcasting, was adopted in 1962 to ensure responsible and balanced broadcasting.
Q9.
Ans: (a) Right to Information
RTI stands for Right to Information, which is a law enacted by the Indian government in 2005 to ensure transparency and accountability in its workings.
Q10.
Ans: (c) empowerment
The Right to Information is grounded in the values of transparency, accountability, and empowerment, enabling citizens to access information that empowers them to hold the government accountable.
Answer the following in one sentence.
Q1.
Ans: Public opinion is the collective opinion of people in a society about issues that concern them, which influences public policy and decision-making.
Q2.
Ans: The two main forms of mass media are print media, like newspapers and magazines, and electronic media, such as radio and television.
Q3.
Ans: Media ethics refers to the norms of responsible journalism, which include truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, and public accountability.
Q4.
Ans: Freedom of the press is the right of media organizations to disseminate information without censorship or restraint by the government.
Q5.
Ans: The Press Council of India is tasked with maintaining journalistic standards and ethics in India, acting as a watchdog to ensure the press operates in a free and fair manner.
Answer the following questions in brief.
Q1.
Ans: Disagree. While both print and electronic media report on similar events, their approaches can differ. Print media often provides more in-depth analysis due to fewer time constraints, while electronic media can offer more immediate updates and visual content.
Q2.
Ans: Cinema influences public opinion by depicting societal issues, historical events, and personal stories that resonate with audiences, potentially altering their perspectives and awareness on various topics.
Q3.
Ans: The principles of the Broadcasting Code include objectivity, accuracy, impartiality, respect for human rights, and promoting communal harmony and cultural advancement.
Q4.
Ans: In a democracy, providing information to the public fosters transparency and accountability, enabling citizens to make informed decisions and engage in governance processes effectively.
Q5.
Ans: The right to information campaign in India began with grassroots movements like the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) advocating for transparency in local governance, which gradually gained national momentum leading to the enactment of the Right to Information Act in 2005.
Answer the following questions in detail.
Q1.
Ans: Media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion through various forms like print media (newspapers, magazines), electronic media (radio, TV), and digital platforms (internet). Each form contributes uniquely by providing news, analysis, and a platform for public discourse, thereby influencing public opinion and societal trends.
Q2.
Ans: Media and democracy are intrinsically linked; media acts as a watchdog, a platform for public discourse, and as a means for educating the public, which are essential for a functioning democracy. It ensures government accountability and citizen participation in democratic processes.
Q3.
Ans: Newspapers and television channels should provide balanced and reliable news to ensure the public receives accurate information, which is crucial for forming informed opinions. Readers should critically evaluate multiple sources and perspectives before forming their own opinions to avoid biases.
Q4.
Ans: The media provides a forum for discussion and debate by publishing diverse viewpoints, hosting debates and interviews with various stakeholders, and allowing public interaction through comments and social media platforms, facilitating an open exchange of ideas.
Q5.
Ans: Key features of the Right to Information Act include the obligation of public authorities to proactively disclose important information, the appointment of Public Information Officers to handle requests, the minimal fees associated with accessing information, and the establishment of information commissions at the state and central levels to ensure compliance and address grievances.
