Understanding Media

Q.1) Name the two main types of Media and also give examples of each. Ans.) The two main types of Media are : a) Print Media e.g. Newspapers, Magazines, Books etc. b) Electronic Media e.g. Internet, Television, Radio etc. Q.2) In what ways does the Media play an important role in a democracy? Ans.) i) In a democracy, the media plays a very important role in providing news and discussing events taking place in the country and the world. ii) It is on the basis of this information that citizens can, for example, learn how government works. iii) And often, if they wish to, they can take action on the basis of these news stories. iv) Some of the ways in which they can do this is by writing letters to the concerned minister, organizing a public protest, starting a signature campaign, asking the government to rethink its programme etc. Q.3)Media sets the agenda. What kind of effect does this have in a democracy? Provide two examples to support your point of view. Ans) i)Media plays significant influence in our lives shaping our thoughts. ii) It positively helps us focus on an issue that affects our lives. iii) For example: Very recently, the media drew our attention to alarming levels of pesticides in cola drink. iv) It also brought awareness among people about several infectious disease like H1N1. Q4) The technology that mass media uses keep changing. How does this affect our lives. Explain with an example. Ans.) i) Changing technology, or machines, and making technology more modern, helps media to reach more people. ii) It also changes the ways in which we think about our lives. iii) Television has enabled us to think of ourselves as members of a larger global world. It has brought the world closer to us. Q5) What is Right to information and when did it come into force? Ans.i) The Right to information gives the citizens the right to seek information and question the policies and actions of the government. ii) It ensures check on the abuse of power and corruption, thereby making the democratic government more transparent and accountable. iii) The Right to information Act came into force all over the country on 12 th October 2005. This act has effect all over the country, except in Jammu and Kashmir. Q6) List the principles that are usually included in codes of Media ethics. Ans.In India, the media form their own code of ethics. Usually such codes are based on the following principles: i) Maintaining accuracy and fairness: The media should not publish or broadcast information that is incorrect or misleading or distorted. ii) Respecting peoples privacy: The media should respect peoples privacy. A persons identity and details about his/her family, personal life, religion, caste etc. should not be made known unless it is necessary to do so in the interest of the public. iii) Protecting the interest of the nation and the society: The media should be very cautious while presenting any news or information that may threaten the security and unity of the nation or harm the society.

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iv) Correcting errors and allowing replies: When an error is detected in any information given by the media, the media should promptly publish or broadcast the correct version and apologise for the mistake. v) Avoiding plagiarism: Copying others ideas or works and claiming them to be ones own is called plagiarism. This is considered unethical and in some cases it is punishable by law. vi) Showing caution while criticising the actions of courts: The media may, in the interest of the public, criticise the judgement or actions of a court. But, such criticism should not be unreasonable or unfair. Activity: Be an Editor *Design a one page (A4 size) newspaper. *Give some interesting (imaginary) title to the newspaper and create some interesting news stories *This Newspaper has to be pasted in the note book. _________________________________________________________________________________

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