Role of Media in Democracy

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Democracy is a system of government in which all the citizens/ people exercise their power by voting their representatives. Thus, public opinion is an important aspect. The people, in turn, could have the government accountable and change it, if they knew what it is/ was doing. So, there is a need to inform the people of them so that there is a check on the government.

There are three main pillars of Democracy - Executive, Legislature and Judiciary - on which it stands. But there is the fourth one, which is kind of hidden, Media which keeps eyes and ears on these three, and informs the people about their policies and actions. Media plays a crucial role in shaping a healthy democracy. Media makes people aware of various social, political and economic activities happening around the country and the world. It is like a mirror, which shows us or strives to show us the bare truth and harsh realities of life.

Media came into existence in 1780 with the introduction of a newspaper namely The Bengal Gazette and since then it has undoubtedly evolved and became more active over the years. It is the media who remind politicians about their unfulfilled promises at the time of elections. TV news channels excessive coverage during elections helps people, especially illiterates, in electing the right person to the power. This reminder compels politicians to be up to their promises in order to remain in power.

Media is very powerful in shaping the minds of citizens. Constrictive journalism identifies the problems in our society and serves as a medium for deliberation which in turn helps in making a healthy environment for society, the destructive journalism, on the other hand, corrupts the mind of the citizens.

Today, in the age of information technology we are bombarded with information. We get the pulse of the world events with just a click of a mouse. The flow of information has increased manifolds. Thanks to information technology we are well connected and well aware of breaking news all the time. Now, we don't have to go and fix ourselves in front of the television to do so.

No one is perfect in this world so is the media. It acts as a catalyst for democracy and development, helping to make public participation meaningful. The impact of media is really noteworthy. Excessive coverage or hype of sensitive news has led to communal riots at times. The illiterates are more prone to provocations than the literates. Constant repetition of the news, especially sensational news, breeds apathy and insensitivity.

Hence, a neutral media is a must in a democracy to truly and effectively identify the loopholes in the democratic system, which can plug to the fullest satisfaction of the people as its measure.  If media does not discharge its responsibility independently in any democratic country, the politicians are bound to behave like dictations or even worse than them. Media carries with it a huge responsibility in a democratic setup which it has to fulfill very carefully without any bias toward anyone by bringing out the real facts before the public.

The job of the newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable - Pinley Peter Dunne


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