MEDIA IS NO MORE A FOURTH

PILLAR OF DEMOCRACY
In this topic, all the points need to be supported with
examples.
Importance of media:

Media as the watchdog plays a very important role in every democracy so in the world’s
largest democracy its role becomes largely important.

India is the biggest market for the 4th pillar of democracy with over 82,237 registered
newspapers, being circulated across different regions, and almost 700 television news
channel, running all over India, and these numbers are increasing day by day. 

Position of media in the constitution :

 “…WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC…”
 Art 19 (1)

Recently Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee resoundingly made point to the Indian media that “discussion and dissension are crucial for a spirited democracy, and it
must hold public institutions accountable for all their actions and inactions. There should always be room for the argumentative Indian, and not the intolerant Indian. The
media must be the watchdog, the mediator between the leaders and the public”.
 The Media :a two sided weapon

1) CORPORATIZATION OF MEDIA HOUSES:

race of sensationalism and TRP,paid news, crony
capitalism
paid news scandals:

2) POLITICAL DOMINANCE:
The media, regrettably, like the political polarization in
the country, is also divided into anti-government, pro-
government, and rightist groups.
Media has now become a tool for political parties to
brainwash the public by showing fabricated predicted
votes via exit polls.
3) RELIGIOUS DOMINANCE:
‘pseudo secularism’ supported by Leftist outfits, and media houses
According to 2006 research report, “Indian media lacks social
diversity and it doesn’t reflect the social profile of country. Mainly
Hindu upper caste dominate in the media houses. They constitute
around 8 % of India’s population but among the key decision makers
of the national media, their share is as high as 71%”. 
Serious issues like the beef ban, Kashmir crisis, protests in
universities and even where Dalits getting discriminated or killed,
have received hardly any mention in media coverage.
According to 2018 report, abysmal position of India at 138 among
180 countries in the latest annual World Press Freedom Index, which
is another worrying point for Dalits and minority communities.
4) MEDIA TRIALS
 Media trial creates a perception of prejudice against the
accused. Judgment should be delivered in court only.
 Mudslinging on Arushi murder case (2008):media has
played a major role in incriminating parents without any
sufficient evidence

MEDIA TRIAL v. FREE AND FAIR

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
 Conclusion

Today’s scenario:
Biased media
Unaccountability of media
the ease of (mis)use of specific platforms and their capabilities,
disparity in information available,
issues with non-reliable and untrustworthy information
presented,
the impact of social media use on an individual’s opinion,
ownership of media houses, and
the meaning of interactions created by social media: danger for
future democracy
This problem can be solved:
1)Making the media democratic that is, through
discussions, consultations and persuasion
2) by using retributive measures against the media,
for example,
by imposing heavy fines on defaulters,
stopping government advertisements to them,
suspending their licenses etc.