Short Answer Questions
Q1: What is mass media?
Ans: Mass media refers to various means or channels, such as newspapers, television, and radio, used to communicate information to a large audience.
Q2: Why is it important for the media to provide unbiased and authentic news?
Ans: The media's role is to inform and educate the public, so unbiased and authentic news is essential for citizens to make informed decisions.
Q3: What is the role of the media in shaping public opinion?
Ans: The media influences public opinion by bringing political, social, and economic issues to the public's attention, helping people form informed views.
Q4: Why is an impartial and independent media important in a democracy?
Ans: An impartial and independent media ensures an active public opinion and protects citizens' rights by preventing powerful interests from influencing the media.
Q5: What is the main role of the media in a democracy?
Ans: The primary role of the media in a democracy is to empower citizens by providing accurate and unbiased information and building public opinion.
Q6: What are the key aspects of media ethics in a democracy?
Ans: Media ethics include being independent, accurate, fair, avoiding defamation, and presenting sensitive information carefully.
Q7: What does freedom of speech mean in a democracy?
Ans: Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in a democracy, allowing the media to express thoughts and provide information, even if it criticizes the government.
Q8: How does the Press Council of India regulate the media?
Ans: The Press Council of India regulates the media by maintaining its independence, setting a code of conduct, and monitoring any foreign assistance to media.
Q9: What is the purpose of the Right to Information (RTI) Act?
Ans: The RTI Act promotes transparency and accountability in government by allowing citizens to access information about various issues.
Q10: Can you provide an example of a major scandal exposed through the RTI Act?
Ans: Yes, the 2G scandal, involving corruption in the allocation of telecom licenses, was exposed through the RTI Act, resulting in the arrest of government officials.
Long Answer Questions
Q1: Explain the role of the media as a provider of information in a democracy.
Ans: The media plays a crucial role in providing unbiased, authentic, and factually correct information to citizens in a democracy. This information is essential for well-informed decision-making, and ideally, the media should present both sides of a story. However, in reality, it may be influenced to show the government positively.
Q2: Discuss the role of the media in forming public opinion. How does it enable people to develop informed views on various issues?
Ans: The media shapes public opinion by bringing political, social, and economic issues to the public's attention. It allows citizens to develop informed opinions by providing a platform for discussions and voicing opinions on government policies and actions.
Q3: Explain the significance of an impartial, independent, and fearless media in a democracy. Why should powerful interests not be allowed to influence the media?
Ans: An impartial and independent media is crucial for an active public opinion and the protection of citizens' rights. Powerful interests should not influence the media to ensure unbiased reporting and maintain democratic values.
Q4: Describe the media's role in enabling communication between the government and citizens. How does it influence government actions and policies?
Ans: The media carries the voice of the public to the government and exposes government corruption. Citizens can express their criticism or support through the media, which often forces the government to respond and change its policies.
Q5: Explain the concept of media ethics in a democracy. What are the key principles that the media should adhere to in its ethical practices?
Ans: Media ethics in a democracy involve principles like independence, accuracy, fairness, avoidance of defamation, and careful handling of sensitive information. These principles ensure the responsible functioning of the media.
Q6: Discuss the role of freedom of speech in a democracy and its protection of the media. What are the limitations on freedom of speech?
Ans: Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in a democracy that protects the media's ability to express thoughts and provide information, even when critical of the government. However, it has limitations, such as not harming sovereignty, integrity, or security, or disrupting law and order.
Q7: Explain how the Press Council of India regulates the press. What are its aims and responsibilities in upholding democratic values?
Ans: The Press Council of India regulates the press by maintaining its independence, setting a code of conduct, and monitoring foreign assistance. Its aims include helping newspapers maintain independence, ensuring awareness of citizens' rights and responsibilities, and preventing activities that may lead to media monopoly.
Q8: Elaborate on the Right to Information (RTI) Act and its significance in a democracy. Provide examples of how the RTI Act has exposed corruption and wrongdoings.
Ans: The RTI Act promotes transparency and accountability in government by allowing citizens to access information. Examples of its impact include exposing the Adarsh Housing Society Scam and the 2G scandal, leading to accountability and good governance.
Q9: Discuss the time limits and the process for obtaining information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. How has the RTI Act empowered citizens in India?
Ans: The RTI Act requires information to be provided within 30 days, or 48 hours for matters concerning life and security. The Act has empowered citizens to seek information on various issues, promoting transparency and accountability in government.
Q10: In your opinion, why is the role of the media in a democracy critical? Explain the impact of an unbiased and responsible media on the functioning of a democracy.
Ans: The role of the media in a democracy is critical because it empowers citizens, informs the public, and shapes public opinion. An unbiased and responsible media promotes informed decision-making, transparency, and accountability, which are essential for the successful functioning of a democracy.
