Question

What does the word ‘media’ mean?

Answer 1

Hint: Media is the mean by which people receive a free flow of information and ideas. Media acts as a watchdog of public interest.
Freedom of media is part of the freedom of speech guaranteed by the Constitution under Article 19 (1)(a).

Complete answer:
The public institutions that report news such as newspapers, magazines, radio, and television are all forms of media. It allows for a free flow of information. One of the basic tasks of the media is to provide truthful and objective information to the people for their political, social, and international awareness to reach an informed opinion. This makes the media one of the important constituents in society.
Media is considered as the “fourth pillar “ in the democratic countries after the legislature, executive, and the judiciary. Its importance in influencing readers can be calculated by the role it played during the freedom struggle if we go back to history. Paid news and fake news can manipulate people and can create hatred, disharmony, and violence among people so the media should be an ethical media.
The absence of objective journalism leads to a false representation of truth and then it affects the perception of people. The issue of paid news is of major concern which is influencing people and impacting the peace of society.

Note:In developing countries like India the media have a great responsibility to fight conservative and backward ideas and help the people in their struggle against poverty, and other major social evils. Hence it is so important that the media stick to the core principles like decency, truth, transparency, fairness, morality, and responsibility.