Opposition parties allege that government of not allowing the media to talk about issues like ‘jobs or the ones raised by farmers’.
Background
A free, objective, skilled media is an essential component of any democratic society.
On the one hand, it provides the information which the polity requires to make responsible, informed
On the other, it performs a “checking function” ensuring that elected officials uphold their oaths of o ce and campaign promises and that they carry out the wishes of the electorate.
Media is supplying the political information that voters base their decisions on. They identify problems in our society and serve as a medium for deliberation.
They also serve as watchdogs that we rely on for uncovering errors and wrongdoings by those who have power.
Media is vital in generating a democratic culture that extends beyond the political system and becomes ingrained in the public consciousness over time.
Media in protecting freedom of expression
This rationale is based on the notion that democracy – which recognises that people have the right to elect a government of their choosing – cannot exist in any meaningful way without the right to freedom of expression.
There are many aspects to this rationale, but the fundamental concept is that in order for democracy to be effective, the citizenry that votes in elections and engages in public processes with the government must be informed and must have the right to participate freely in public discourse.
If there is no freedom of expression – if people are not free to share information and express a range of ideas, opinions and political views; and, the corollary to that, if people are not free to receive information in the form of a range of ideas, opinions and political views – they will not be sufficiently well informed to make appropriate and meaningful political choices, whether at the ballot box or in their interactions with government more generally.
Role of Media in society
The media can play a positive role in democracy only if there is an enabling environment that allows them to do so.
They need the requisite skills for the kind of in depth reporting that a new democracy requires.
There should also be mechanisms to ensure they are held accountable to the public and that ethical and professional standards are upheld.
Media independence is guaranteed if media organizations are financially viable, free from intervention of media owners and the state, and operate in a competitive environment.
The media should also be accessible to as wide a segment of society as possible.
Efforts to help the media should be directed toward: the protection of press rights, enhancing media accountability, building media capacity and democratising media access.
Building independent media in developing countries requires more than freedom of speech, skilled journalists, or strong business management skills.
Enabling independent media to perform the crucial roles of being a watchdog over government and educating people about the issues that affect their lives also requires supporting organizations such as trade unions and professional associations for journalists, and a public education about these roles and responsibilities of media and their function in a democratic and open society (Civil society) .
If a democracy is to run smoothly in any country, it is a must that the media in all fairness should be given full autonomy and a free hand it deserves in airing its views among the people and no unnecessary restrictions should be imposed on it.
Challenges with the Media:
The issues of paid news, media trial, non-issues being presented as real news while the real issues are sidelined, the news is being doctored and fact distortion for profits and political favour, fake news, yellow journalism are important concerns which are influencing public and impacting national security. For instance, fear mongering through media has led to mob lynchings, attacks on the migrant population.
The absence of objective journalism leads to the false presentation of truth in a society which affects the perception and opinions of people. As observed in the case of Cambridge Analytica case, the biased news coverage on social media platform affected the Presidential elections in the U.S.
The chase for sensationalism and higher TRP rates as observed in the coverage of 26/11 terrorist attacks in India risked the internal security of the nation. The sensationalism-driven reporting compromised the identities of rape victims and survivors despite SC guidelines.
Trial by media does not follow the due process of law and can reduce the public trust in institutions of governance like the judiciary.
Paid news and fake news can manipulate public perception and can instigate hatred, violence, and disharmony among the various community within society.
With the advent of social media, technological changes, the reach of media has grown profoundly. Its reach and role in impacting public opinion have made it even more important to ensure its objectivity, non-partisanship calls for the enforcement of journalistic ethics.
Media regulating agencies in India:
Press Council of India (PCI):
It is a statutory body established under PCI act, 1978.
It was established for preserving the freedom of press and for maintaining standards of newspapers and news agencies in India.
The functions of the PCI includes
(i) Helping newspapers to maintain their independence
(ii) Build a code of conduct for journalists and news agencies
(iii) Help maintain 'high standards of public taste' and foster responsibility among citizens
(iv) Review developments likely to restrict flow of news.
Central Board of Film Certification:
The role of the CBFC is limited to controlling content of movies and television shows, etc. Unlike the PCI, it does not have the power to issue guidelines in relation to standards of news and journalistic conduct.
Other Authorities:
Program and Advertisement Codes for regulating content broadcast on the television, are issued under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
IT Rules regulate content over internet. However, there is no overarching body to control the content on internet.
Radio channels have to follow the same Programme and Advertisement Code as followed by All India Radio.
News channels are governed by mechanisms of self-regulation. National broadcasting association has devised code of ethics to regulate news content.
The Advertising Standards Council of India has also drawn up guidelines on content of advertisements.
Reforms suggested for Media:
Media must remain honest and truthful and act with great restraints and responsibility.
TRPs, circulation figures and bottom lines, though important, must not dictate media’s path.
Media should get rid of established prejudices and try to give voice to youth, women, farmers and entrepreneurs.
Media should report and highlight more positive stories and best practices to inspire positive changes. Success of Swachh Bharat showed the power of media in bringing behaviour change.
Media should help in protecting, preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage and languages.
Development of vernacular newspapers should be encouraged to promote regional languages and to spread awareness across rural masses.
Regulators should effectively counter fake news because pervasive menace of fake news threatens to destroy the credibility of media.
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