Question

The media, especially elite newspapers, are highly influential in shaping public opinion. However, it is shown that the media can be influenced by the personal viewpoints of authors, as a study concluded that most journalists tend to be liberal. Based on this, what role should the media play in shaping public opinion? Should it be completely unchecked, or should the government censor the media in some instances, especially in matters of national security? Is media freedom even necessary in a democracy?

Minimum 250 words

Answer 1

Ans.1 ROLE OF MEDIA IN SHAPING PUBLIC OPINION -

There is always a connection between media and public opinion .Media plays an important role in shaping public opinion as media is expanding in various means like elite newspaper , social media ,press , electronic media.

a. SOURCE OF INFORMATION-

Media is a mode of providing information to public . It is a survey of information that will shape choice in people's life , and shape thinking and perception of things.

b. CONNECT PUBLIC WITH THE WORLD-

The Media plays a central role in communicating to public the things happening in the world, also in cases where audience do not posses direct knowledge like Epidemic of COVID -19 .

c. SPREAD AWARENESS

The role of press in shaping public opinion according to different System of government ,view from different System of government ,view from different angles and the formation of conscience of the masses through published articles , investigation and draw attention through photographs ,cartoons etc.

d. SOLVE PUBLIC ISSUES-

With a policy of transparency and refinement it can set trends in solving important and controversial issues . It is capable of translating the dialectical association and interaction between it and events that concern individuals.

Ans2. GOVERNMENT ROLE -

The government plays an important role in censor of media specially in national security , there are many laws and rules have been made to regulate media.

Although media should be given freedom but there are some areas where government restrictions are necessary like government in some countries have imposed censor ship on internet usage by public through monitoring and filtering which helps in spread of fake news or rumours among public.

Although Censorship has been a matter of controversy as it suppress freedom of speech, but if it remain unchecked then it may lead to negative result.

In other cases it is often suggested that censor fir children is also necessary, by using a software and filtering system to keep them away from indecent content . This government interference is necessary to check the media but upto a limit necessary to maintain public interest

And.3 FREEDOM OF PRESS IN DEMOCRACY-

Democracy is a system where people are free to elect their own representative and have governing body like parliament. Country like India is a largest democratic country in the world.

In democratic country freedom of press is necessary as

1. It act as a medium of connecting government and public.

2.citizens are able to receive information about policies, laws, rules etc.

3. It helps in fighting against evils like corruption, unfulfilled promises and misuse of power.

4. It makes government aware about the rights of minorities and make sure that ano section of society is left behind.

5. It ensures the proper functioning of government and raises questions about the matter of public interest and legislation and judiciary.