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  • Q.17. “To paraphrase Mark Twain, if you don’t watch news, you will be uniformed, if you do, you will be misinformed.” In the context of this statement, assess the role of Indian media as the fourth pillar of democracy.

    • 08,Oct 2024
    • Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
    • 0 Comments
    • APSC2023
    • GS2

    The statement attributed to Mark Twain, “If you don’t watch the news, you are uninformed; if you do, you are misinformed,” reflects the paradoxical role that media can play in shaping public opinion. In a democracy, the media is often regarded as the fourth pillar, playing a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and checks and balances. In India, the media’s role is essential in informing citizens, scrutinizing government actions, and protecting democratic values. However, concerns about misinformation, sensationalism, and bias have raised questions about how effectively the media fulfills its democratic responsibilities.

    Constitutional and Legal Framework for Media in India

    A. Freedom of Press and Expression:

    • The Constitution of India guarantees freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a), which implicitly includes the freedom of the press. This fundamental right allows the media to operate freely without undue interference from the government, ensuring that citizens can be informed about political, social, and economic issues.
    • Supreme Court’s View: In Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras (1950), the Supreme Court recognized that freedom of the press is an essential part of the freedom of speech and expression, acknowledging its role as a watchdog of democracy.

    B. Reasonable Restrictions:

    • However, Article 19(2) of the Constitution permits the state to impose reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression in the interests of sovereignty and integrity of India, public order, decency, contempt of court, and defamation. This ensures that the media operates within the boundaries of law, preventing misuse of its freedom.

    C. Self-regulation and Media Bodies:

    • Indian media operates under a system of self-regulation with bodies like the Press Council of India (PCI) and the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) overseeing journalistic ethics and practices. The Press Council Act of 1978 governs the conduct of the print media, ensuring that ethical standards are maintained.

    Role of Indian Media as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy

    A. Watchdog of Democracy

    • Media in India plays a critical role as a watchdog, scrutinizing government policies, exposing corruption, and ensuring accountability. Investigative journalism has been instrumental in uncovering scams, malpractices, and violations of rights, thus strengthening the democratic process.
    • Example: The Bofors Scandal (1980s) and 2G Spectrum Scam (2010) were exposed through relentless media investigation, leading to significant political and legal consequences. Such exposes demonstrate the media’s role in checking abuse of power.

    B. Platform for Public Debate

    • The media serves as a platform for public discourse and debate, where diverse opinions on political, social, and economic issues can be discussed. This open exchange of ideas is vital for a functioning democracy as it informs the electorate, facilitates informed decision-making, and enhances political participation.
    • Example: During the debate on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and farm laws, Indian media facilitated nationwide discussions, helping the public understand the implications of these laws and amplifying diverse voices, including those of protestors and supporters.

    C. Education and Awareness

    • The media plays a vital role in educating citizens by disseminating information about government policies, legal rights, and public health initiatives. In recent years, media campaigns around Swachh Bharat Mission, Digital India, and COVID-19 vaccination have significantly contributed to public awareness and participation in these initiatives.

    D. Promoting Accountability through Elections

    • During elections, the media acts as an instrument of democratic accountability, reporting on political manifestos, campaign promises, and performance of elected representatives. Through debates, election analysis, and fact-checking, the media ensures that voters are informed about the choices before them.
    • Example: Extensive media coverage during the 2019 General Elections included televised debates, interviews with political leaders, and fact-checking of campaign claims, providing voters with critical information.

    Challenges to the Media in Fulfilling Its Role

    A. Sensationalism and TRP-Driven Journalism

    • Increasing commercialization of media has led to a focus on sensationalism and breaking news culture, often prioritizing ratings over quality journalism. In many cases, media houses sensationalize news to boost Television Rating Points (TRP), compromising journalistic integrity.
    • Example: The media’s handling of the Sushant Singh Rajput case in 2020, where television news channels excessively focused on speculative theories, deviated from core journalistic ethics and sensationalized the tragedy for higher viewership.

    B. Misinformation and Fake News

    • Misinformation and fake news have emerged as significant concerns in India, particularly with the rise of social media and digital platforms. Unverified information spreads rapidly, leading to public confusion, social unrest, and communal tensions.
    • Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation about the efficacy of vaccines and treatment protocols proliferated, creating distrust among citizens and complicating public health efforts.

    C. Bias and Partisanship

    • Several Indian media outlets have been accused of displaying political bias or acting as mouthpieces for particular parties, undermining their role as independent and impartial watchdogs. Corporate ownership and political affiliations of media houses often influence editorial policies.
    • Example: During major political events, like the 2019 General Elections or state elections, sections of the media were accused of selectively covering or ignoring news to favor certain political narratives, distorting public perception.

    D. Corporate Influence and Paid News

    • Corporate ownership of media houses has led to concerns about conflicts of interest and editorial interference. The phenomenon of paid news, where favorable coverage is given in exchange for monetary or other benefits, compromises the independence and credibility of the media.
    • Example: In 2010, the Press Council of India investigated multiple instances of paid news during elections, highlighting the erosion of editorial independence and ethical journalism.

    E. Safety of Journalists

    • Media freedom in India has been challenged by growing threats to journalists. According to Reporters Without Borders, India ranked 161st out of 180 countries in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, indicating significant concerns about press freedom. Journalists are often targets of intimidation, physical attacks, and legal harassment.
    • Example: The killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in 2017 and threats against investigative journalists highlight the risks faced by those exposing corruption, crime, or government misdeeds.

    Way Forward: Strengthening Media’s Role in Good Governance

    A. Strengthening Regulatory Framework:

    • A robust regulatory mechanism for both traditional and digital media is essential to curb the spread of fake news, paid news, and sensationalism. Strengthening the Press Council of India with greater enforcement powers and empowering fact-checking bodies can help improve journalistic standards.

    B. Encouraging Investigative Journalism:

    • Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability. Encouraging independent and non-partisan investigative journalism by providing legal protections to journalists will help maintain the media’s role as a watchdog.

    C. Media Literacy and Public Awareness:

    • Media literacy programs should be promoted to help citizens critically assess the news they consume. Educating the public about how to identify fake news and bias can empower individuals to make informed decisions.

    D. Ensuring Safety and Independence of Journalists:

    • Protecting the freedom and safety of journalists is crucial. The government should enact laws that ensure the protection of journalists, particularly those involved in investigative reporting, to allow them to work without fear of retribution.

    E. Promotion of Ethical Journalism:

    • Journalists and media houses must adhere to journalistic ethics and focus on their role in promoting truth and fairness. Ethical journalism, with a commitment to factual accuracy and impartiality, will help restore public trust in the media.

    The Indian media plays a vital role as the fourth pillar of democracy, fostering transparency, accountability, and public debate. However, the challenges of sensationalism, bias, and misinformation have, at times, undermined its effectiveness. To fulfill its democratic mandate, the media must reinforce its commitment to ethical journalism, independence, and truthful reporting. By addressing these challenges, the Indian media can continue to serve as an informed and reliable source of information for a thriving democracy, as envisioned under Article 19 of the Constitution.

    Check out  UPSC Coaching Centre Guwahati | APSC Coaching Centre Guwahati | Crack APSC Exam | UPSC Civil Services Exam | Ethics Paper in UPSC Exams

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