(PYQ Mock Answer Polity Governance/Public Administration) Role of Media

Q. When the media is controlled by vested interests, how can it control the vested interests in the government ? How can the media become more responsible & impartial ? (2017)

Answer:

In a democracy the media plays a very important role in bridging the gap between the Citizens and the State. The recent issues of Politicisation of media, Paid news, Yellow journalism, Sensationalisation and scandal obsessed media has raised serious questions on the credibility of the media. A media controlled by vested interests has transformed the media from a watchdog into a lapdog of the powerful sections of the society. To make the media responsible and impartial, following measure can be undertaken:

1. Self regulation: A government regulator will be a hindrance for the independence of media and raises threat of censorship, hence a powerful and responsible self regulatory body of media is the need of the hour.
2. The press council of India, can be strengthened with more powers to punish the violators.
3. There must be restriction on the aggregate holdings and cross holdings of politicians and businessmen in Media houses.
4. A code of conduct and code of ethics can be prescribed for the members of the media and strict action can be taken by the self regulator in case of violations.
5. Crowdfunding for Media houses to reduce undue influence of any particular section of the society and to enforce the media loyalty to the public at large.

The above measures can go a long way in establishing a vibrant media that can promote accountability and transparency in the administration and further the empowerment of Citizens. 

Future and Ongoing Courses by Siva Prasad -

 https://upscwithsiva.blogspot.com/2020/10/future-and-ongoing-courses-by-siva.html

Use code - "akmsiva", to get 10% discount on Unacademy Plus Subscription