Biased Media is a Real Threat to Indian Democracy | UPSC Mains Essay Preparation PDF Download

Media

Before discussing the issue at hand, it is very important to understand the terms ‘democracy’ and ‘free press/media’ in a practical sense. Democracy is a form of government that provides the right to the citizens of the country to elect their representatives. In such a system, the final decision-making authority remains with the elected government. It is for the welfare of the citizens of a country that any and every law is made. Thus it is a fundamental right of the people to be well informed of all that is happening within the government and around the nation. This is where the role of independent media comes to the fore, wherein the people get access to the latest information and updates related to important matters through different media channels.
Media plays a vital role in every single country and is perhaps the most effective way of communicating a message to the masses. Without media, no one would really know what is going on in the country or worldwide. However, the mere presence of media isn’t enough. It needs to be independent of any outside influence, including that of the government. That is what makes it a free press/media. For the citizens to make informed decisions, there must be complete transparency on the part of the government as well as the media.
A biased media, on the other hand, could pose a real threat to democracy. Media is said to be biased when the media houses have some vested interests, and the news being reported by them are not offered from an independent perspective. The problem of biased media is affecting some of the biggest democracies in the world, and it is an issue in India as well.

Indian Media

India is regarded as the largest democracy globally, and it is a matter of great pride for the people of the country. But that label in itself does not suffice. It is so very necessary to maintain that status, and the media plays a huge role in determining just how democratic a nation in reality is. In recent years, Indian media is losing its independent status with increased government and corporate involvement in what the media broadcasts and how it has become increasingly difficult to believe any news as being authentic.
Media has become a means for the government and other groups with vested interests to portray a certain image, regardless of whether that is genuine. It has become a means to exaggerate many incidents, either to their own benefit or to the disadvantage of the opposition or any dissenting parties. Media has become the perfect way to mislead the general population and influence their opinions in the direction of the party or government in power. Issues like these make the citizens doubt the accountability of the press, and that is a major obstacle in the way of India becoming a great democracy.

Problems Associated with Biased Media

Here are some ways in which biased media can adversely affect the democratic nature of a country like India:

• Can influence public opinion: While not every single person is likely to believe everything they see or read, it is, however, true that a majority of people do. The media plays a key role in shaping opinions on a wide variety of issues. For example, if it blames a certain section of the society for a serious incident, it could lead to animosity towards and perhaps even alienation of that group. The media is more often than not used to marginalize, target or victimize certain groups since the masses are quite gullible.
• Mislead the public: Misuse of media is a dangerous way to mislead the citizens of a nation. Through the circulation of fake news, it could have the masses believing something far from the truth. For instance, by providing fake updates on a public project, the government could easily garner praise when, in fact, the project is nowhere near where it’s described.
• Can affect the country’s political future: By projecting a positive image of itself, by constantly presenting each development as a massive one, by appealing to a certain group, etc., all through the means of mass media, the government can gather a large number of supporters who are likely to vote for them in the future, thus ensuring that their political reign continues. Using the media to their advantage, the government can very easily ensure that things keep going smoothly in their desired direction.     
• Can cause confusion and panic: By exaggerating the severity of a situation or not giving adequate attention to a problem, the media can cause serious problems. It can lead to protests, riots, violence, or the spread of more fake news, which will again cause a lot of confusion and panic among citizens.

How to Tackle the Issue of a Biased Media

Just because a major political party or the government is pulling the strings of the country’s media, all is not over. Citizens are responsible for ensuring that the country remains a democracy where everyone has an equal right to speak and express opinions without fear of prosecution. Here are some ways to minimize the effects of biased media, especially in a country like India:

• Questioning everything: With the way the media no longer portrays an incident without depicting a certain point of view, it is necessary to not take anything at face value. The best way to avoid being caught up in the web of fake or biased news is to look at the incident from all angles before concluding. It would be stupid to believe everything being shown without questioning it with a pair of impartial eyes.
• Collecting all the facts: It is crucial to have all the details to know what it is all about. It is best not to form an opinion on the said issue with minimum information since it could lead to misconceptions and confusion. Using various forms of mass media, one can easily gather more facts.
• Being open to diverse opinions: What makes India democracy is its importance to accommodating many diverging opinions. It is important to be open to differing views to gain perspective and better knowledge about an issue. Being open to criticism and debate will create a conducive environment for more information to spread.
• Be aware of vested interests: Though one can only see what the government or media wishes to show, it is necessary to read between the lines and follow up with new developments to be aware of where they stand. This will serve as the base for future comparisons and opinion formation.

The important and powerful role that independent media can play in the nation's progress cannot be overstated. By highlighting the major issues facing the country, fixing the accountability, offering an open platform for dissenting views, and suggesting available solutions, media can ensure the strengthening of the democratic fabric of the country. It is, therefore, important for all the citizens of the country to work towards ensuring an independent media which is free from all types of biases.