THE FOURTH PILLAR- MEDIA
The backbone of any democracy is an independent,professional and responsible media. Their role is to inform, criticize and stimulate debate. A democracy's success is tested by the independence and autonomy of it's pillars. Each pillar is vital when it comes to their role. In a democracy when opposition isn't strong enough to criticize the government and make the government accountable, media steps in and play the role of opposition. It is the voice of the voiceless.
It inspires how powerful the democrats have described the power of media. To a very major extent it shapes the people's mind. Media explains different policies and schemes of government and how it can affect the life of a common man. However, in recent years a trend has been noticed that the viewers have started to consume news instead of watching and analysing it. People want to watch those media channels which appreciate their opinions and ideologies but, in long term it endangers the ablity of people to respect other' s opinions. Media has got a powerful role to play in making the government effective.
Constitution and laws play an important role to ensure the freedom of press however, there are some restrictions on press known as censorship.
The government can order content removal on internet under India's Information Techonolgy Act, which was passed in 2000. Section 69A of this law authorises the government to block any digital information "if it is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to do so,in the intrest of sovereignty and intergrity of India,defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or publc order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence.". This act has been used several times to benefit the government and hide its faults in the name of securing country's confidentality and national security.
We cannot forget the time when hands of media were tied and all the information was censored by the governemnt. Newspapers like Indian EXpress and Statesman left blank spaces where news items were censored. Magzines like the Seminar and the Mainstream chose to shut down rather than submit to censorship.
In present world many social media paltforms are providing unbiased news where they are not controlled or influenced by an individual or any group. They act as a critical body towards government and it's schemes but question can be raised on their credibilty too. Example- Many Facebook, Instagram pages and whatsappp Forwards are very much responsible for spreading fake news and communalism. It is not very difficult for people to make posts and fabricate the real news. Many websites are available to create fake posts.
Now the question arises, how can we bring a change which we aspire to see? One solution can be to make laws which protect press from censorship. Also, censorship must be reduced to its minimum level. Acts should not be merely passed in Parliament but also be enacted strictly. Secondly, the person in top management of famous media firms should not be under any influence and he/she should be held accountable and credible to people.
Media always has the potential to bring out the truth which is hidden in government files. It plays a vital role to spread awareness about different issues. An unbiased and independent media can always check on governmnent and make sure the rights of citizens are not violated but well protected.
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