V. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. Write a short note on various forms of media which help in creating public opinion.
2. What is the relationship between media and democracy?
3. Why should newspapers and television channels give balanced and reliable news? What should a reader do before formulating an opinion on an issue?
4. How does the media provide a forum for discussion and debate?
5. Mention the significant features of the Right to Information Act.
Answers
1:The main types of media that create public awareness and opinion are print, visual, technological and audio media. Print media includes newspapers and magazines which can be read. Visual media includes news channels which report the latest updates on several trending topics
2:The democracy of the public sphere is in the participation of citizens who provide information to the media and share it to society. Media democracy advocates that corporate ownership and commercial pressures influence media content, sharply limiting the range of news, opinions, and entertainment citizens receive.
3:Media gives news and discusses events that are happening in the entire world. Based on this people can understand how the government is functioning. These news stories are the basis on which people in a democracy can take action against the government’s policies and decisions by organizing public protests, starting signature campaigns etc thereby asking the government to rethink its decisions.
4:Early adopters of Internet technology may recall news groups or special interest groups (SIGs) that were hosted on the early websites and systems connected to the Internet. These communities were rooted in technical topics but eventually expanded to cover just about any category that could attract an audience. These platforms matured and are now hosted on consumer-oriented social networking sites.
5:Salient features of RTI
All citizens possess the right to information. Information can be obtained within 30 days from the date of request in normal case. If information is a matter of life or liberty of a person, it can be obtained within 48 hours from time of request.