Media is one of the most powerful and impactful tool of communication in this highly developing world. It can help in promoting right thing at the right place and right point of time. It has that immense power which can use any situation to create harmony or disturbance in the society. Media helps in providing a very strong message to the world that what is right and what is wrong. We are surrounded by media – when we watch film or television, listen to the music in mobile, mp3 or on radio, when we read books, newspapers or magazines. No one can ignore the blessings of media in our life. The media helps us to remain informed and updated about every kind of news, events, social activities, film, fashion and advertisements irrespective of geographical barriers. While sitting in Mumbai we can get all latest news of America and any other countries within seconds.
With the advancements in technology such as the Internet, it has made it possible to bring so many forms of electronic media to our homes and workplaces at the click of a button. However, it seems that even though the media has come as a promising innovation which can affect the formation of ideas and opinions of an individual. No one can deny the influence of media as it has the power to make or break the belief system of a person and even it can start a movement, a revolution for a right cause. Moreover, it can impact the lives of its consumers in both the positive and the negative way which solely depends on the mind-set of the people as to which side they choose to go.
Media plays the role of a bridge between the people and the government and also a very powerful tool to win the ability to make and break the opinion of the people. It has the capacity to swing the perceptions or evoke the emotions. That’s how it has gained the faith of the public. Media through its various means of newspapers, radio, television and social media is what rules the heart and the mind of the people. Through its various forms, media keeps the vigilant citizens updated and informed about their surroundings. They organised debates and group discussion on the current social and political issues in order to enlighten the citizen about the democratic process. Media works in-between the public and the government and conveys the government policies and action to the public and the latter forcefully expresses to make the authorities aware of the public feelings. It makes the policy maker aware of the wrongs that they may otherwise escape attention. During the election period, the media can play an extremely important role by talking about the candidates.
As the general election is inching flower, media veterans are all set to launch several news ventures. Last year, Harvest TV was launched but later stopped by TataSky from being aired. This English news channel has Congressman Kapil Sibal as one of its promoters and founding member. Harvest TV is owned by Veecom Media which has already licences of English, Hindi and other regional language channels. The news venture will see the return of high profile journalists like Barkha Dutt, Karan Thapar and Punya Prasun Bajpai, where Dutt will anchor a Prime Time show, and so does Thapar. In 2018, two senior journalist named Punya Prasun Bajpai and Abhisar Sharma, of ABP (Anand Bazaar Patrika) news channel had to resign for speaking much against the BJP government schemes showcasing how people’s life still survive on basic needs. However, after their resignation, the sources revealed that the two channels, one with Punya Prasun Bajpai and the other one with Abhisar Sharma will air on 2nd October and 15th October 2018 with the help of heavy funding from the Congress. Senior Congress leaders like Shashi Tharoor, Kapil Sibbal including party President Rahul Gandhi was deeply involved in the planning and launching of these news channels. This media platform will serve to supplement the election campaign of Congress for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as well as boost the Rahul Gandhi’s image building process answering as to why he is the most promising Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2019 general elections.
Journalism is the fourth pillar of democracy and India is undoubtedly the largest democracy and to ensure independent media is to ensure its democracy. This country has heard much fearless voices in the form of unbiased, neutral and completely objective media. But now much is changed as today the media platforms have acquired the title of mouthpiece of political parties. Either for encashing the TRPs or for propaganda, many media houses have started manipulating the facts and figure and replace them with the numbers viewers are driven by. Journalism may be just a profession for some but it’s a source of information for all.
The country’s population largely depends on non-partisan media persons who present the reality in its original form and not in lure of the benefit from a political party. A downfall of media ensures the downfall of a country. All the major political parties including the Congress and BJP have tried to sway the media houses for their own favour. However, now the media houses should realise this and work towards the re-establishing atmosphere of free and independent journalism. Moreover, the important question arises is, what makes the general public aware about the vote? And the answer lies as, an impartial, objective, neutral and fearless media is the basic requirement for the success of the democracy.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
