the role mass media (news channels in India)
Answers
Mass media is virtually a current awareness service informing people about current events
and activities of human beings and also about every significant natural phenomenon and such
others of public interest. It encompasses almost every conceivable subject and the focus is on
a wide audience, irrespective of their background and knowledge. Scholars, laypersons,
professionals, scientists, artists, musicians, in fact, every group of persons get something of
their interest provided by mass media. Its influence is profound on human life.
Mass media today is regarded as the Fourth Estate that shapes, influences and indirectly
governs public affairs in a democratic set-up. Although the media does not have any
constitutional authority to control the affairs of a state, it is a powerful instrument for
moulding public opinion on any issue of importance in democratic governance and
contributes very significantly in arriving at an acceptable public policy.
Media here refer not only to the physical modes of communication through which
information is transmitted but also refer to the varied channels such as print as well as the
non-print, through which news and information are disseminated to the users.