media fourth pillar of democracy essay

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Media: The Fourth Foundation Of Democracy

• Last Updated : 10-Feb-2024
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Trial from the media:

• Trial by the press is a term that became popular in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It explains the influence of television and newspaper coverage on the credibility of an individual by establishing a widespread impression of guilt or innocence before, or after, a court of law verdict.
• The trial by the media has been criticised by different Judges of the Court because it contributes to psychological variance while giving the judgement.
• Media trial is against the right to fair trial; Jasleen Kaur , a Delhi woman, for example, posted a picture of a man, Sarvjeet Singh , on Facebook in 2015 and accused him of sexual harassment. Four years later, the Delhi Court held the man innocent and acquitted him of all the charges.

The fourth pillar of democracy is the media:

• In keeping democracy alive and thriving, the media plays an important role. It is a connecting link between government and people in a way that provides citizens with knowledge about government acts, policies and inefficiencies.
• As a fourth pillar, the media plays an important part in achieving the true meaning of democracy.

The media's role in linking government and citizens:

What is press freedom.

• Freedom of the press has been regarded in India as part of the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Constitution under Article 19(1)(a).
• The limits on "freedom of expression and speech" also extend to "freedom of the press and the media."
• Article 19(2), on the following grounds, offers reasonable restrictions such as India’s sovereignty and dignity, State protection, public order, decency, or morality, or in connection with court contempt and defamation.

Why is press freedom necessary?

• It serves as a check on administrators and governments.
• A free press has a responsibility to lift its voice against any social disorder or evil.
• It works towards strengthening a nation's sovereignty and dignity.
• It helps to create an atmosphere where peace and harmony can be cultivated by the country's people.
• A free press is essential to a democratic society.
• The press offers the forum for the hearing of a multitude of voices.
• At the national, regional and local levels media is the public’s watchdog as well as it is also an activist and guardian as well as an educator and entertainer.
• In India, the media has played a crucial role in providing people with knowledge about social and economic ills.

Verdicts of the Supreme Court on freedom of speech:

• The Supreme Court recognised in Romesh Thapar vs. the State of Madras that "Freedom of expression and the press is the cornerstone of all democratic organisations."
• In Indian Express Newspapers v. Union of India, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of freedom of the press in these words:
• In Tata Press Ltd. V. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. the Supreme Court held that a commercial advertisement or commercial speech was also a part of the freedom of speech and expression.

What needs to be done to protect press freedom?

• The "Upholder and Guardian of the Constitution" is the Supreme Court. An independent judiciary that upholds the constitutional guarantee of media freedom is an important safeguard for this fundamental right.
• Media self-regulation along with strong institutions such as media ombudsman as well as complaints and appeals committees, make it possible for ethics to be adhered to.
• To give the media fair play and to check its arbitrariness at the same time, a regulatory body should be formed comprising both media individuals and government bodies.
• Reform should come from senior editors and journalists in the media particularly. They should begin to reveal instances of fake news, and conflicts of interest, and make press operations more open.
• There is also a need for legislative support for the PCI (Press Council of India) to give it more regulatory authority.

What are the problems faced by the Indian media today?

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MEDIA-THE FOURTH PILLAR OF DEMOCRACY

Oct 9, 2021 | INDIAN MEDIA COUNCIL | 0 comments

MEDIA-THE FOURTH PILLAR OF DEMOCRACY: “The people will believe what the media tells them they believe.” – George Orwell

India is a vast country with rich heritage whereas., population is 1.39 billion estimated in 2021. India is considered as the largest democratic country all over the world., due to its wide diversity, its proper functioning is based upon three main pillars namely: . legislature ,executive judiciary and the press. -But in actual terms, Media is considered to be the fourth pillar to operate the Indian .Shri Naidu said that each pillar must act within its domain but not lose sight of the larger picture. four pillars of Democracy 1. legislature: -The main and the most important function of the legislative assembly is formulating laws according to the needs of the state. There are discussion and debates on the implementation but the final power is concentrated in the hands of the legislature over lawmaking. 2. Excutive: – Executive power is vested in him and all executive actions are taken in his name. He is, however, only a Constitutional Head of State acting on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers and as such only the formal Executive. The head of executive is the president. 3. Judiciary: – The liberty of the press is the palladium of all civil, political, and religious right. Press is the fourth pillar of democracy, which exercises this right of freedom of speech and expression. The rights originate from the US constitution. 4. Media: -Media has given political parties the tools to reach large numbers of people and can inform them on key issues ranging from policies to elections. In theory, media should be seen as an enabler for democracy, having better-educated voters would lead to a more legitimate government. MORDERN MEDIA: Modern media comes in many different formats, including print media books, magazines, newspapers, television, movies, video games, music, cell phones, various kinds of software, and the Internet. How media works? According to democracy the media is a watchdog , media must watch the three pillars of democracy where as a media can change the fate of a person with a pen as novelist and writer Edward Bulwer-Lytton said “ pen is mightier than the sword” . Media A journalist’s heart and soul is modesty and morality; propriety and purity. A Journalist must give trustworthy information should be very honest and punctual and also should give clarity , Journalist must not give false messages to people. Media losing it’s credibility: -Nowadays media is losing its credibility because there is a unhealthy practice between journalist and media and also the values, ethics and ,perspective mission are slowly vanishing from the journalism , The channels and newspapers have seized and captured their stand for supporting the political parties and religion. Whereas people started lose there faith on media. Responsible of media: – Media should be responsible, if the media loses its credibility the entire blame will be on the fourth pillar of democracy ., media must give the accurate information without hiding the truth and truth should be revealed . There should be crystal clear information given to the people were as the media works as the voice of the people. Principles of journalism:  Truth and Accuracy, Objectivity, Impartiality, Fairness, Public opinion , Accountability, and Impartiality, Humanity. Media Ethnics: Censorship ,Privacy, Access to information, collect the information accurately, Copyright Law for media Article 19(1) Freedom of Speech and expression: Freedom of Speech and expression means the right to express one’s own convictions and opinions freely by words of mouth, writing, printing, pictures or any other mode. It thus includes the expression of one’s idea through any communicable medium or visible representation, such as gesture, signs, and the like. Conclusion: Media as the fourth principle in the democracy plays vital role in the society were it consists of various principles, ethics and values and also because people believe in media blindly .Before people get information media get information Very soon in recent years people get information in Nano seconds but also they wanted to get information from the official media, there were people have more confidence on media whether it is political issues or social issues Or even gossips people do expect for a correct information. “Whoever controls the media, controls the mind.” – Jim Morrison 

Written By: JENNIFER (Internship )

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Why is media termed as 4th pillar of Democracy? What are its responsibilities in a vibrant democracy and how can selective targeting subdue democratic spirit? Explain.

Topic: GS-2: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. GS-3: role of media

5. Why is media termed as 4th pillar of Democracy? What are its responsibilities in a vibrant democracy and how can selective targeting subdue democratic spirit? Explain. (250 words)

Reference:  The Hindu

Why the question: The article explains how the fear of executive overreach that is stifling some of our fundamental rights is very real. Thus the question. Key Demand of the question: Explain how Media is the 4 th pillar of democracy and discuss its responsibilities in a democracy. Also discuss the challenges before it. Directive: Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts . Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start with recent examples around media and why it has been making news round the corner. Body: Explain first why media is considered as 4 th pillar of democracy. Discuss what is meant by selective targeting; explain how such a thing can undermine the very spirit of democracy. Take hints from the article and explain the retreat of democracy. Discuss the important role that media plays in fostering vibrant democracy. Conclusion: Conclude with importance of democracy.

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Freedom Of Press: Fourth Pillar Of Democracy

By Rahul Deo, CNLU Patna

Editor’s Note: Freedom of speech and expression is the blood of democracy, palpitation of democracy, control of the government and creates awareness among the people. Blood removes the dead cell in the same manner freedom of speech and expression removes the arbitrary government and place a democratic government. This paper evaluates the contribution and necessity of freedom of the press in a democracy.

Introduction

The liberty of the press is the palladium of all the civil, political, and religious rights. [i] In a democratic set up the press can act as a bridge between the government and the people. This right is very important at the stage of the formation of the government. Democracy can not survive without this right. Press is the fourth pillar of democracy, which exercises this right of freedom of speech and expression.

The rights originate from the US constitution. The role of media is important as a feedback, exposure, and conduit mechanism in all countries. Most citizens receive their information about what is going on in the government, and how it affects them, through the filter of the media.

The media have also played a traditional watchdog and gadfly role, in investigating misbehavior by politicians and officials and private business, a role traditionally summarized as “ comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable .” The media is thus a crucial instrument of accountability, in addition to being an instrument of communication. A free press and free media rank along with an independent judiciary as one of the two institutions that can serve as powerful counter forces to corruption in public and private life.

The Freedom of the press is regarded as a “ species of which freedom of expression is a genus. ” [ii]  Freedom of the press is the freedom of communication and expression through vehicles including various electronic media and published materials. While such freedom mostly implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state, its preservation may be sought through constitutional or other legal protections.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: [iii]

“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers”.

In general, we can say that Freedom of the press is the freedom of communication & expression through vehicles including various electronic media & published materials. While such freedom mostly implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state, its preservation may be sought through constitutional or other protection.

The fundamental right of the freedom of the press implicit in the freedom of speech and expression is essential for political liberty and proper functioning of democracy. Freedom of Press has perpetually been a cherished right in all democracies. “Growth and development of representative democracy are so much intertwined with the growth of press that the press has come to be recognized as an institutional limb of modern democracy ”.

In India before Independence, there was no constitutional or statutory guarantee of freedom of an individual or media/press. At most, some common law freedom could be claimed by the press, as observed by the Privy Council in Channing Arnold v. King Emperor [iv] :  “The freedom of the journalist is an ordinary part of the freedom of the subject and to whatever length, the subject, in general, may go, so also may the journalist, but apart from statute law his privilege is no other and no higher. The range of his assertions, his criticisms or his comments is as wide as, and no wider than that of any other subject.”

The press freedom is about the power being centered in the specific issue that is supported by different technological aspect in bringing the information and communication. The freedom of expression is an evolving issue around the world and different countries are attempting to provide such law in which people can fully embrace their right.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Indian Press has a long history right from the times of British rule in the country. The British Government enacted a number of legislations to control the press, like the Indian Press Act, 1910, then in 1931-32 the Indian Press (Emergency) Act etc.  During the framing of the Constitution, the founding fathers bestowed enormous significance to Freedom of the Press. B. N. Rao, the Constitutional Advisor to the Constituent Assembly assured that freedom of the press was included in the guarantee of freedom of speech and expression and it was hardly necessary to provide for it specifically.

Dr. Ambedkar said that we don’t want to give absolute rights to the press because it has two aspects. The right could be given to the first aspect of the press and not to the second aspect. The press is a right of expression. The Constitution of India in Article 19(1) (a) lays down that “ All citizens shall have the right, to freedom of speech & expression and it includes the right to press also.”

This concept has been warranted by the Supreme Court of India. In numerous judgments the Supreme Court has ruled that Freedom of the Press is contained in the guarantee of freedom of speech and expression in Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution. The freedom of press means freedom from interference from authority which would have the effect of interference with the content & circulation of newspapers. [v]

In the view of democracy, it only means that people or the citizens can enjoy full freedom of speech and expression and can be only restricted within the reasonable subject. During the era when the press council in India felt anxiety, the birth of the Media Law is implemented and followed by the Press Regulations that significantly had an impact on the publishing industry.

Next is the introduction of the compulsory licensing for owning and running the printing presses which is typically empowered by the government. This action simply means to prohibit the publication or circulation of any newspaper, book, or other printed material. The banning of the publication or dissemination created a commotion against the government that effectively weakened the power of authority.

This process continued and through the years brought a significant change and created a fundamental right in the constitution. The entire developed article in the institution of the country speaks about the freedom to express and expression and the birth of the Press Council in India.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

Article 19(1) (a) of the Indian Constitution states simply that ‘ all citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression ’. The companion Article, Article 19(2) qualifies this right by providing that the State can impose reasonable restrictions on its exercise:

1. In the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India

2. The security of the State

3. Friendly relations with foreign States

4. Public order

5. Decency or morality or in relation to contempt of Court

6. Defamation or incitement to an offense

The Indian Constitution, while not mentioning the word “press”, provides for “the right to freedom of speech and expression” (Article 19(1)(a)). However this right is subject to restrictions under sub clause (2), whereby this freedom can be restricted for reasons of “sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, preserving decency, preserving morality, in relation to contempt, court, defamation, or incitement to an offense”. Laws such as the Official Secrets Act and Prevention of Terrorist Activities Act [vi] (POTA) have been used to limit press freedom. [vii]

Article 19(1)(a) does not refer specifically to the freedom of the press as does, say, the corresponding provision in the American Constitution, but judicial decisions have repeatedly affirmed that the Article is sufficiently wide to include the freedom of the press and, by extension, the freedom of other mass media.

In Romesh Thapar’s Case [viii] , and in several subsequent cases strict and narrow limits have been placed on the Legislative powers to abridge the right conferred by Article 19(1) (a). Any restriction on Article 19(1) (a) can only is valid if three conditions are met –  It is supported by the authority of law, The law in question is related to one or more of the permitted heads of restrictions laid down under Article 19(2); and

The restriction is reasonable. It is also necessary that the procedure and the manner in which the restriction is imposed be just, fair and reasonable. [ix]

In India, freedom of the press has been treated as part of the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, vide Brij Bhushan and Another vs. State of Delhi , [x] and Sakal Papers (P) Ltd vs. Union of India , [xi] among others. However, as mentioned in Article 19(2), reasonable restrictions can be placed on this right, in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offense. Hence, freedom of the media is not absolute freedom.

MEDIA: FOURTH PILLAR OF DEMOCRACY

Freedom of press has always been a cherished right in all democracies. “Growth and development of representative democracy are so much intertwined with the growth of press that the press has come to be recognized as an institutional limb of modern democracy .” [xii]

Speaking of democracy, political scientists and experts always say there are four pillars of democracy, namely the judiciary, executive, legislative, and media. [xiii] More functioning judiciary as an institution of the judiciary, the executive is more to the government, while the legislature as an institution that makes the laws and overseeing government performance.

Media is an important and inseparable part of a democratic society. It is in fact called the fourth pillar of democracy. Before the advent of electronic media, print media played an important role in disseminating information to people. Over the years, a wide variety of media like the press, performing arts, television, radio, and films have been used for communication.

Furthermore, the fourth pillar which is also very important is the media. Why the media can be regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy? Because often times people assume that the media is more neutral and free from elements of state power, in contrast with the previous three pillars which are all oriented to power. The media not only as a source of news, but it is also the voice of the people carrier and fittings. The media also often become a tool for suppressing the three pillars of democracy before.

There are a minimal number of pillars needed to support the infrastructure of democracy. If you wish to build a bridge, there are principles of engineering that must be followed. Similarly, there are seven main pillars of the architecture of democracy:

1. Elections,

2. Political tolerance,

3. The rule of law,

4. Freedom of expression (it includes the press)

5. Accountability and transparency,

6. Decentralization, and

7. Civil society.

But democracy, unlike bridge building, isn’t just science; it is also the art of the possible. The fourth pillar sustaining democracy is freedom of expression. What people in civil society are allowed to say, print, distribute, and discuss is indicative of the democratic nature of a political system. A free press is one measure of freedom of expression in a society.

The newspaper not only presents facts but also gives the interpretation of facts and statements of opinions through its editorials and also propagates ideas and ideologies. The press has therefore been rightly described as the Fourth Estate.

Although no democracy has absolute freedom of speech, unless citizens have the right to express themselves in the political process, no government can be made accountable for its actions. Each country places its own limitations on freedom of expression. What matters is that those limitations are not misused by political forces to limit public scrutiny of policies and actions that have an impact on the integrity of governance. For example, if criminal libel laws effectively thwart whistle blowing on irregularities or corruption, democracy is diminished. And hence it is also very necessary to limit this influential institution’s powers.

“Freedom of Press is not absolute, unlimited and unfettered at all times and in all circumstances as it would lead to disorder and anarchy.” [xiv] We are the part of the democratic country and where the citizen is all in all and there must be check and balances on the government and the media plays that role regarding the check and balances on the government. Abraham Lincon gave the definition of democracy in the words, “ Democracy is the people, for the people and by the people .”

Media is regarded as one of the pillars of democracy. Media has a wide role in society. Media plays a vital role in molding opinion of the society and it is capable of changing the whole viewpoint through which people perceive various events. The media can be commended for starting a trend where the media plays an active role in bringing the accused to hook.

WHETHER FREEDOM PROVIDED TO THE MEDIA IS GENUINE OR NOT?

The prime purpose of the free press guarantee is regarded as creating a fourth institution outside the government as an additional check on the three official branches- executive, legislative and the judiciary. [xv] It is the primary function of the press to provide comprehensive and objective information on all aspects of the country’s social, economic and political life. The press serves as a powerful antidote to any abuse of power by government officials and as a means for keeping the elected officials responsible to the people whom they were elected to serve.

In India, freedom of press is implied from the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article. 19(1) (a). There is no specific provision ensuring freedom of the press as such. The freedom of the press is regarded as a “species of which freedom of expression is a genus.” [xvi] Thus, being only a right flowing from the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press in India stands on a higher footing than the freedom of speech of a citizen, and the press enjoy privilege as such distinct from the freedom of the citizen.

The Supreme Court has laid emphasis in several cases on the importance of maintaining freedom of the press in a democratic society. The press seeks to advance the public interest by publishing facts and opinions without which a democratic electorate cannot make responsible Judgments. Articles and news are published in the press from time to time to expose the weakness of the government. The primary duty of the courts to uphold the said freedom and invalidate all laws or administrative action which interferes with the freedom of the press contrary to the constitutional mandate. [xvii]   Article 19 (1) (a) applies to citizens only and so a non-citizens running a newspaper cannot seek the guarantee of this constitutional provision.

Press in India and the reaction of Supreme Court

The press or media acts as a watchdog of democracy. In fact, post-independence, the India press has played a vital role in restraining corruption and injustice in the nation. The press is also instrumental in arousing the general public’s interest in the government and its operations. However, like everything else, there is a flipside to this as well. Over the last few years, yellow journalism has been rampant in the Indian press, which has lead to widespread misconducts in the nation.

In Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras [xviii] , the Supreme Court held that there can be, no doubt, that freedom of speech and expression includes freedom of propagation of ideas, and that freedom is ensured by the freedom of circulation. Liberty of circulation is an essential to that freedom as the liberty of publication. Indeed, without circulation, the publication imposed on grounds mentioned in Article 19(2) of the Constitution. A law which authorises the imposition of restrictions on grounds of ‘public safety’ or the ‘maintenance of public order’ falls outside the scope of authorised restrictions under  clause (2) and therefore, void and unconstitutional.

In Indian Express Newspapers v. Union of India [xix] , the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of freedom of the press in these words:

“…..The expression freedom of the press has not been used in Article 19 but it is comprehended within Article 19(1)(a). The expression means freedom from interference from authority, which would have the effect of interference with the content and circulation of newspapers. There cannot be any interference with that freedom in the name of public interest.

“The purpose of the press is to advance the public interest by publishing facts and opinions without which a democratic electorate cannot make a responsible judgement. Freedom of the press is the heart of social and political intercourse. It is the primary duty of the courts to uphold the freedom of the press and invalidate all laws or administrative actions, which interfere with it contrary to the constitutional mandate.”

In Sakal Papers(Private) Limited v. Union [xx] , Supreme Court had observed that the right to freedom of speech and expression carries with it the right to publish and circulate one’s ideas, opinions, and views with complete freedom and by resorting to any available means of publication, subject to the restrictions imposed under Art. 19(2). The Indian Constitution does not expressly provide for the freedom of the press but this freedom is included in “Freedom of speech and expression” guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a).

Blackstone said that the essence of freedom of expression is that every person should be able to lay his sentiment before the public without previous restraint, that to forbid this, is to destroy the freedom of the press; but if publishes what is improper, mischievous, or illegal, he must take the consequence of his own temerity. [xxi]

In Bennet Coleman Company v. UOI [xxii] , the Court held that freedom of the press is both quantitative and qualitative. Freedom lies both in circulation and in content. The fixation of page limit will not only deprive the petitioners of their economic viability but also restrict the freedom of expression by compulsive reduction of page level entailing the reduction of circulation and the area of coverage for news and views.

In Hamdard Dawakhana v. UOI [xxiii] , the Supreme Court has held  that an advertisement is no doubt a form of speech and expression of ideas. In the present case, the advertisement was held to be dealing with commerce or trade and not for propagating ideas. Advertisement of prohibited drugs would thus not fall within the scope of Article 19(1)(a).

In view of the Supreme Court decision in Tata Press Ltd. V. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. [xxiv] the ruling in Hamadard Dawakhana case has now a limited application that is, prohibiting an obnoxious advertisement and cannot be applied to the general advertisement as such. In this case, the Court has held that commercial speech is a part of the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Art. 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. ‘Commercial speech’ cannot be denied the protection of Art. 19(1)(a) of the Constitution merely because the same are issued by the businessman.

Describing the advertising as the cornerstone of Indian economic system, the Judges said that low prices for consumers are dependent upon mass production, mass production is dependent upon the volume of sales, and volume of sales are dependent upon advertising.

In Printers (Mysore) Ltd. v. Assistance Commercial Tax Officer [xxv] , the Supreme Court has reiterated that though freedom of the press is not expressly guaranteed as a Fundamental Right, it is implicit in the all democratic countries and the press has rightly been described as the fourth estate. The democratic credentials of a state are judged by the extent of freedom the press enjoys in that state.

The Supreme Court has emphasized that the freedom of the press is not so much for the benefit of the press as for the general community because the community has a right to be supplied with information and the government owes a duty to educate the people within the limits of its resources.

RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND THE ROLE OF MEDIA

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations states:

“ Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers .”

Information is regarded as the oxygen of democracy. It invigorates where it percolates. If people do not know what is happening in their society, if the actions of those who rule them are hidden, then they cannot take a meaningful part in the affairs of the society. Freedom of expression, free dissemination of ideas and access to information are vital to the functioning of a democratic government.

Information is crucial for a vibrant democracy and good governance as it reflects and captures Government activities and processes. Access to information not only facilitates active participation of the people in the democratic governance process, but also promotes openness, transparency and accountability in administration.

‘Right to Information’ (RTI), the right of every citizen to access information held by or under the control of public authorities, can thus be an effective tool for ushering in good governance. The major characteristics of good governance are participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, equity and inclusiveness, effectiveness, efficiency, accountability, strategic vision and consensus-orientation.

Transparency means that decisions are taken openly and enforced as per rules and regulations. It requires that information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement. It also means that enough information is provided to all the stakeholders in easily understandable forms and media to enable their meaningful participation in decision making processes.

Accountability means that public institutions and functionaries are answerable to the people and to their institutional stakeholders. In general, an organization or an institution should be accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions. Accountability cannot be enforced without a regime of transparency.

A direct relationship exists between the right to Information, informed citizenry and good governance. The Right to Information provides citizens the opportunity of being informed of what the Government does for them, why and how it does it. Good governance provides a platform that enables government functionaries to operate efficiently, effectively and transparently and be accountable to the public for their actions. It aims to put an end to inconsistent government practices and helps in establishing a responsive State.

Public participation in Government, respect for the rule of law, freedom of expression and association, transparency and accountability, the legitimacy of Government, and the like, which are the core values of good governance, can be realised only if the right to information is implemented in the right spirit. Right to information is the hallmark of good governance.

MEDIA AND DEVELOPMENT

The media can make a real difference to the lives of poor and disadvantaged people by:

• making people more aware of their rights and entitlements;
• enabling people to have access to government programmes, schemes and benefits;
• making people more aware of political issues and options and helping to stimulate debate;
• educating the public on social, economic and environmental issues;
• drawing attention to institutional failings – corruption, fraud, waste, inefficiency, cronyism, nepotism, abuse of power and the like;
• fostering the exchange of best practices, knowledge resources, access to better technology, and to better choices;
• creating pressure for improved government performance, accountability and quality, for example in service delivery; and
• providing a discursive space for citizens to dialogue with other actors in the governance process.

The three main areas through which the media can make a significant impact on development and poverty reduction are:

1) Empowerment

Media has a definite role to play in the empowerment of citizens. It gives voice to the needs and aspirations of the people and provides them access to relevant information. When people lack a voice in the public arena, or access to information on issues that affect their lives, and if their concerns are not reasonably reflected in the public domain, their capacity to participate in democratic processes is undermined.

Media, in all its varied forms, has opened up the potential for new forms of participation. Thus, the vulnerable and marginalized sections of the society such as the poor, women, weaker sections and socially disadvantaged are also using the media to make their voices heard.

2) Social Awareness & Action

The potential of mass media to be effectively employed to enhance social awareness is unquestionable. The news media plays a decisive role in establishing a discursive space for public deliberations over social issues. Giving a voice to the poor also entails giving the poor people adequate opportunities to take initiatives for overcoming their problems. The media, through its role in shaping public awareness and action, can be a critical factor in facilitating sustainable development and poverty reduction.

3) Good Governance

Good governance is recognized as central to poverty eradication, and a free media is a necessary condition for good governance. As an information conduit between corporations, government, and the populace, the media acts as a watchdog against government malfeasance, while at the same time fostering greater transparency and accountability. The media monitors public service delivery and reports on key issues to the public at large, and in this process exerts pressure on public service providers.

By highlighting institutional failings to guard against and institutional successes for replication, the media creates the right framework of incentives for good governance. A free press is integral to good governance. It lets people voice diverse opinions on governance and reform, expose corruption and malpractices and help build a public consensus to bring about change. It monitors basic public service delivery and promotes human development.

EFFECTS OF MEDIA IN OUR SOCIETY

Every coin has two sides. There are both positives and negatives of one single given notion. The media, known as the fourth pillar of democracy, has a huge impact on the society. The effects are of course, positive as well as negative. It is upto the people to decide which effect they want to bask in. Media is such a powerful tool that it literally governs the direction of our society today. It is the propeller as well as the direction provider of the society. Opinions can change overnight and celebrities can become infamous with just one wave by the media. [xxvi]

The Bright Side

Information on the latest happenings reaches people in just a matter of minutes. The vision of media reaches even the remotest corners of the country and makes sure that everyone is aware of what is going on in the country. The easy and swift availability of any given information makes media one of the most reliable sources for forming public opinion. It bridges the gap between the leaders and the masses by becoming their channel of communication.

It brings into open the innumerable achievements that are going on in the country. Media gives ordinary people the power to reach out to the society as a whole. It can make heroes out of ordinary men. The media acts as a deterrent on corrupt practices and keeps a check on the working of the government. Media has significantly promoted social causes like literacy, health management, anti-dowry practices, discouraging female feticide, AIDS awareness, etc.

On the Contrary…

“ The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power. Because they control the minds of the masses. ”

– Malcolm X

Media can adversely affect the thinking capability of individuals and instill negative or destructive thinking patterns in the society as a whole. As already said before, the media has the power to form and alter opinions. This means media can portray an ordinary thing so negatively that it may force people to think or act in quite the opposite way. Media glorifies violence and contains graphic descriptions or images. When viewed by the vulnerable portion of the society, i.e., the children, it can have grave effects on their upcoming and thinking patterns. [xxvii]

The media can sometimes go out of the way in advertising or glorifying certain issues. Usually, a bad or detrimental message is packaged in a glorious way and is made accessible to the public. Movies that depict filthy rich thieves who don’t bat an eyelid before killing someone or extorting someone and the getting away with it, sure give entertainment to people. At the same time, it encourages them to act in a way that promises adventure and thrill in life. This way, the media glorifies the bad aspects of people and encourages them to act in forbidden ways.

In Democracy, the Government cannot function unless the people are well informed and free to participate in public issues by having the widest choice of alternative solutions of the problems that arise. Articles and news are published in the press from time to time to expose the weaknesses of the governments. The daily newspaper and the daily news on electronic media are practically the only material which most people read and watch.

The people can, therefore, be given the full scope for thought and discussion on the public matter, if only the newspapers and electronic media are freely allowed to represent different points of views, including those of the opposition, without any control from the Government.

The following suggestions are offered in this connection:

“Freedom of press may be inserted as a specific fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution of India. Parameters of freedom of the press should be clearly earmarked. Information must be available at an affordable cost within specified, definite and reasonable time-limits. Free press should not violate the right to privacy of an individual. Free press must be law enforcing and preventive of crime.

“Rule of law must be followed by the free press. Influence through free press upon the judiciary should not be exercised. Press is the watchdog to see that every trial is conducted fairly, openly and above board, but the watchdog may sometimes break loose and has to be punished for misbehaviour. It shows that there are certain restrictions on the freedom of the press.”

Formatted on March 1st, 2019.

REFERENCES:

[i] https://www.sites.google.com/site/fourththpillar/Home/freedom-of-press last visited on 17-09-2014 at 07:45 am

[ii] Sakal papers v. Union of India, AIR 1962 SC 305: (1962) 3 SCR 842.

[iii] Article 19 of Universal Declaration of Human Right

[iv] (1914) 16 BOMLR 544

[v] Sakal Papers Ltd. V. UOI AIR 1962 SC 305

[vi] http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/document/actandordinances/POTA.htm  last visited on 15. 09. 2014 at 11:16am

[vii] The prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002.

[viii] Romesh Thapar Vs. State of Madras, AIR 1950 SC 124

[ix] Express Newspapers Limited Vs. Union of India, AIR 1958 SC 578 at 621

[x] AIR 1950 SC 129

[xi] AIR 1962 SC 305

[xii] Vide Author’s Commentary on the Constitution, 6th Ed,Vol C, pg 95-97; Indian Express v Union of India(1985) 1 SCC 641

[xiii] http://politicsdemocracy.blogspot.com/2014/01/social-media-as-fifth-pillars-of.html last visted on 29.08.2014 at 1:00am

[xiv] In re , Harijai Singh ,(1996) 6 SCC 632; AIR 1995 SC 264

[xv] New York Times v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254;

[xvi] Sakal Newspaper v. Union of India, AIR 1962 SC 305. : (1962) 3 SCR 842

[xvii] Indian Express Newspapers(Bombay) p. ltd. V. Union of India , AIR 1986 SC 515;

[xviii] AIR 1950 SC 124

[xix] (1985) 1 SCC 641

[xx] AIR1962 SC 305

[xxi] Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England (1765; 4 th ed. 1770 in 4 uol } Bok 4 Chap II, 151-152) 13

[xxii] AIR 1972 SC 106

[xxiii] AIR 1960 SC 554

[xxiv] (1995) 5 SCC 139

[xxv] (1994) 2 SCC 434

[xxvi] http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/what-are-the-effects-of-media-in-our-822.html   last visited on 07-09-2014 at 10:30 pm

[xxvii] http://pabna.in/media-the-4th-pillar-of-democracy last visited on 18-09-14 at 10:00 am

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6 thoughts on “Freedom Of Press: Fourth Pillar Of Democracy”

Thanks for this it really works for my project

The purpose and the role of journalism should be telling us the truth. Because they are the only medium for us to giving us the information. But people who are doing things without the concern of the media are the one restricting them to tell the truth. This was a nice post thanks for this.

My pleasure:)

Thank you so much it was too good and helped me a lot.

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Media: Fourth Pillar Of Democracy

Constitution and media:, pre and post independence legislations on media:, the press regulation act,1799:, the gagging act,1857:, the vernacular press act,1878:, the indian press act,1910:, the young persons' (harmful publication ) act,1956:, the cable television regulation act,1955:, press council of india act,1965, judicial pronouncement:, media, crime and society:.

• AIR 1950 SC 129
• AIR 1950 SC 124
• AIR 1986 SC 515
• (1994) 2 SCC 434
• AIR 1995 SC 264
• (1996) 6 SCC 466

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• General Knowledge /

Media: The Fourth Pillar of Democracy

• Updated on  
• Mar 20, 2024

Media is known as the fourth pillar of Democracy because it acts as a watchdog for the other pillars. It is known to provide credibility and maintain a check on the work and responsibilities of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. Additionally, the Media questions their authority from time to time and ensures the work is in favour of the public interest. Therefore, as aware citizens of a democratic country, Media is our closest window into the work of our Government structures. Moreover, citizens of India can maintain transparency with the system and also make their choices in public participation activities like elections. 

Also Read: 11 Features of Democracy in India in Points

Functions of Media as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy

Democracy is a regime of people’s rule over their nation through their elected representatives. The Media is responsible for keeping a check on social, political and economic activities and informing the citizens about the same.

In addition, here are some top Functions of Media:

• Report electoral results and votes in each constituency. 
• Highlight the progress or devastation incurred by various policies, parties and organisations. 
• Likewise, covering agendas and campaigns of every election.
• It promotes the investigation of malpractices and illegal activities in the society or organisation.
• Moreover, by performing its role, it helps people to make an informed choice. 
• The Media also showcases the competition between the electoral parties along with their claims and debates. 
• Furthermore, it provides a platform for people to communicate their concerns and opinions freely. This could be sharing their views on a policy or putting forward their demands. 
• Thus, it helps citizens in exercising their democratic rights. 

Also Read: What is Patriotism?

Concerns Regarding the Power of Media as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy

With such immense power to enhance and influence public opinion, Media as the fourth pillar of democracy is a powerful tool that can also be misused. Here are some points of concern to note: 

• Shading the news with opinion : The Media is expected to show an unbiased documented truth about a situation. When it gets shaded with one particular opinion, this can be used as a tool to manipulate the masses. 
• Fact-checking : Media houses often remain in competition to break the news to the masses for TRP. However, this frequently results in a lack of fact-checking at the end of reporters creating huge confusion. 
• Fundings for Media : Many organisations and political parties fund the Media houses. In this case, their opinion often becomes biased towards those who have their allegiance of interest. This results in compromised truths. 
• The blurred walls of PR and news : Some people and organisations use media platforms for paid news, it is often seen under the featured content but as it appears on two or three platforms it eventually becomes news for the people. This makes it difficult to understand what is paid propaganda and the reality.

Also Read: Important Notes on the Impeachment Process 

Types of Media

Media achieves its role as the fourth pillar of democracy, through two types of content, Print Media and Electronic Media.

Print Media

Print Media includes newspapers, magazines, books newsletters etc that were printed in hard form. The shifting of such content online has incurred a debate on what should be included in Print Media . Moreover, people can now find newspapers, magazines, newsletters and even books online. Furthermore, this has reduced the popularity of actual printed content which is evolving into e-libraries, newspaper apps and more. 

Electronic Media

Electronic Media has everything from radio to video content, written content, etc. Every form of media that is available digitally is a part of digital or electronic media. Additionally, it is easy to share, maintain and produce in bulk without much need of resources. The transformation of reels to digital cameras and then mobile cameras has further narrowed the gap. 

Also Read: Who Can Suspend the Fundamental Rights of Indians?

Freedom of Press

Our press has been granted freedom and it guarantees minimum interference of the State in the process of Media. The communication of the press with the people should be a free-flowing stream of information regardless of the platform. 

However, this freedom should not be unchecked as that leads to the compromise of integrity. In case the sovereignty or integrity of the state is impacted, the freedom of the press or even the fundamental right to free expression is suspended. 

Thus, this is the structure of governance of a democracy where every power must be kept in check for the benefit of public interest and to maintain peace and harmony within the country.

Related Blogs

Lastly, we hope you liked our blog and gained an understanding of the Fourth Pillar of Democracy. Moreover, you may even read more blogs and empower yourself with knowledge regarding Civics and Polity!

Syeda Tahira Abidi

Syeda Tahira Abidi is an avid writer and content producer with experience in multiple genres of writing like Media, Educational reforms, Travel, Lifestyle, and Public Relations. Her past experiences in Josh Talks, Ferofly, Carrot Films and WWF as a writer and filmmaker reflects in her observational content production.

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Essay on Role of Media in Democracy

Students are often asked to write an essay on Role of Media in Democracy in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Role of Media in Democracy

Introduction.

Media is a pillar of democracy. It informs the public, promotes transparency, and encourages citizen participation.

Media as an Informer

Media informs citizens about the activities of government. It helps people make informed decisions during elections.

Media and Transparency

Media exposes corruption and misuse of power. It holds leaders accountable, ensuring they serve public interest.

Media and Participation

Through debates and discussions, media encourages citizens to participate in democratic processes. It gives voice to the voiceless.

In a democracy, media plays a crucial role. It ensures power remains with the people, upholding democratic values.

250 Words Essay on Role of Media in Democracy

Media, often hailed as the ‘Fourth Pillar’ of democracy, plays a pivotal role in shaping a healthy democracy. It is the backbone of a democracy, as it helps shape public opinion and influence the direction in which a society progresses.

Media as a Watchdog

Media’s primary role in a democracy is to act as a watchdog. It ensures the government’s accountability and transparency, scrutinizing its policies and decisions. By exposing corruption, inefficiency, and injustice, it empowers citizens to demand better governance.

Media as a Platform for Dialogue

Media also facilitates a healthy exchange of ideas, opinions, and criticisms. It provides a platform where different viewpoints can be expressed and heard, fostering a culture of debate and discussion, which is integral to a thriving democracy.

The Role of Media in Elections

Media’s role becomes particularly significant during elections. By providing comprehensive and unbiased information about candidates, their policies, and their performance, media allows voters to make informed choices, strengthening the electoral process.

Challenges and Conclusion

However, the power of media also poses challenges. Issues like fake news, media bias, and sensationalism can undermine its role in a democracy. Thus, it is crucial to promote media literacy, ethics, and regulations to ensure that media continues to serve as a pillar of democracy. Despite these challenges, it is undeniable that media plays a critical role in the functioning and preservation of democracy.

500 Words Essay on Role of Media in Democracy

Media is often referred to as the fourth pillar of democracy, the other three being the legislative, executive, and judiciary. It plays an indispensable role in the functioning of a democratic society by facilitating free speech and promoting transparency.

The Role of Media in Ensuring Transparency

In a democratic setup, media acts as a watchdog, keeping a vigilant eye on the actions of the government and other public figures. It investigates, exposes, and challenges any instances of corruption, malpractice, or abuse of power. By reporting on such issues, the media ensures accountability and transparency, thereby strengthening the democratic fabric of the society.

Media as a Platform for Debate and Discussion

Media also provides a platform for public debate and discussion. It encourages the exchange of ideas, opinions, and perspectives, which is crucial for the democratic process. Through news, talk shows, and panel discussions, media allows diverse viewpoints to be heard, fostering a culture of tolerance and mutual respect.

Media and Voter Awareness

One of the key roles of the media in a democracy is to educate the electorate. The media disseminates information about the policies and performances of political parties, enabling voters to make informed decisions. It also raises awareness about the importance of voting and the electoral process, thereby promoting political participation.

Media and Social Change

Media can also be a powerful tool for social change. By highlighting social issues and injustices, it can mobilize public opinion and spur collective action. Media campaigns on issues like gender discrimination, environmental conservation, and human rights have played a significant role in bringing about societal transformations.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite its crucial role, the media in a democracy faces several challenges. These include issues like media bias, sensationalism, and the influence of corporate and political interests. To overcome these challenges, there is a need for stringent regulations to ensure media independence and objectivity. Media literacy should also be promoted to enable the public to critically analyze media content.

In conclusion, the role of media in a democracy is multifaceted and profound. It ensures transparency, facilitates debate, educates the electorate, and drives social change. Despite the challenges it faces, the media remains a vital instrument in upholding the principles of democracy. Through its diligent execution of these roles, the media can help in the creation of a more informed, engaged, and equitable society.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Importance of Voting in Democracy
• Essay on Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy
• Essay on Democracy in Sri Lanka

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• Dec 19, 2021
• 10 min read

MEDIA AS THE FOURTH PILLAR OF DEMOCRACY IN INDIA OR NOT: AN ANALYSIS IN THE LIGHT OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Author : Sudeep Chandra, III year of B.B.A.,LL.B.(Hons.) from Law college Dehradun Faculty of Uttaranchal university

The media has become the most powerful entity in democratic countries. As the main function of the media is to aware people of the social, economical as well as political activities around us. Over the years, media has become more active. The role of media is its ability to spread the views and opinions of millions. The pivotal role of media is that it can bring a change in society and it can be good or bad depending upon its usage. There are mainly three pillars of democracy i.e. Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. But with the rise of the role and influence of media on society, it can also be considered as the fourth pillar of democracy. Fair media can help and lead the democratic country to reach its real goals. In this article, the authors have presented the historical development of media in this world beginning from 868 AD till the present time. On the completion of the historical background, the influence of media has been highlighted with a glimpse of the media effects with the help of the definitions from the famous researchers of the respective field. The personal views of the authors are also expressed in a separate heading analyzing whether democracy has proved to be an efficient pillar of the democracy along with its loopholes. Finally, the authors have concluded the article by stating the importance of media in today’s world and what can be done towards its further improvement.

Keywords: Democratic, Economical, Executive, Legislature, Judiciary

Introduction

“The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power. Because they control the media of the masses”- Malcolm X

Democracy in India has a Doctrine of separation of power which is abided by. India is becoming a large market for the fourth pillar of democracy with over 118239 [1] registered newspaper and over 700 television news channels and the number keeps on increasing but in the modern era, the social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp has provided a large platform for the people to connect upon and to share information because of its restriction-free cyber law. But with the growth of the TRP race and the new environment of paid media and promotion over the social media platform has hit media drastically and made media one of the biggest enemies of the Indian democracy.

In today’s world media has become the fourth pillar of democracy all over them along with the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. It has become so important that as in the absence of the other three pillars, the government cannot run systematically, but now it is felt that media as a body is also necessary to be with them. It has become the connective line between the government and the general public. Media make the general public aware of social, political, economic activities around us. The role of media is to reveal the truth and realities of society, without being bias in front of people. It can be said that accountable media can lift a nation to heights and unaccountable media can cause disarray in society. Here it has to be kept in mind that it should never be generalized and said that media houses have become the TRP race firms here some news channels work hard to protect the fourth pillar of democracy from falling apart despite the various crack appearing on the pillar. Media has become the fourth pillar of democracy as in democratic countries people have the freedom of expression and a crucial role in shaping a healthy democracy.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers”.

Historical Background

The history of mass media can be seen from a very early time. The first printed book was printed in China in 868AD which is known as “Diamond Sutra”. However, people were not so literate in China which led to the relatively high cost of paper. Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press which allowed the mass production of books in the nation and this was the first form of mass communication. The first book he printed was Latin Bible in 1453. In 1810, another German printer, Friedrich Koenig, pushed media production even further which enabled the industrialization of printed media. Newspapers were developed in the 17th century, but they took until the 19th century to reach a mass audience as only a few people were literate. But slowly and gradually people learned to read and write and this led to the growth of mass media. By the 18th century, the first high circulation newspaper arose in London ‘The Times of London’. Photography had changed the scenario of media. By the late 19th century, new technology allowed newspapers to print photographs. In the early 20th century first major non-print form of mass media was started influencing people i.e. Radio, as it was less expensive than television and allow a large number of people to listen at the same time. And slowly and gradually transitions from one technology to another have greatly affected the media industry and undoubtedly evolved and become more active over the years.

Freedom of media

The Indian press commission has expressly said that “Democracy can thrive not only under the vigilant eye of its legislature, but also under the care and guidance of public opinion and the press is par excellence, the vehicle through which opinion can become articulate” [2] Freedom of media under the constitution of India is nearly a part of the freedom of speech and expression as said by Dr Ambedkar in his speech in which he said “The editor of a press or the manager is merely exercising the right of the expression, and therefore, no special mention is necessary for the freedom of the press.” [3] Media has the power to circulate and influence the masses through any wrong Idea or news about any situation. It also plays a very vital role in playing with the mind of the general public.

In the recent campaign, BJP spends a total of four 42.3 crores between February 2019 to the end of April 2019 cross 108968 ads [4] . The Indian National Congress has invested in rupees 1.46crore on Facebook for 3686 ads. It shelled out another 2.71 crore rupees on Google platforms with 425 ads [5] . This leads the media to treat involving the advertisement space and it is shown to the public as ‘news’, which disease the public at large the real news about democracy is suppressed on the large investment of various ‘paid news syndrome’.

Although we have freedom of media but the people who follow the real news or take time to express their views on any social media platform are forced to keep quiet, it is evident that they even receive threat calls against their family members and them. A report of the Hindu on 25th March 2019 said that “55% of sample English internet users were concerned that expressing their political view online could get them into trouble with the authority’s, an English digital report prepared by the Reuters institute showed.” [6]

It has been reported by NDTV journalist Ravish Kumar in The Hindu (newspaper, 25 May 2018) that he has been receiving calls threatening to kill him and rape the woman in his family. According to the committee to protect journalists India has seen cases of attack on the journalist last year. The names are given below: [7]

Shujaat Bukhari : Veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor were shot dead by suspected militants in Jammu and Kashmir on 14th June 2018.

Naveen Nischal : Dainik Bhaskar journalist was run over by a speeding SUV of the village council held in Bihar on 25 March 2018.

Chandan Tiwari : He worked for a Hindi newspaper, AAJ in Jharkhand where he was abducted and beaten to death for allegedly exposing if regularities in a government scheme.

Sandeep Sharma : He was investigating illegal sand mining in Madhya Pradesh, where he was brutally moved down by truck on 26 March 2018.

India is ranked at 140th [8] place out of 180 countries in the annual report of reporters without borders. Norway top the ranking of the world press freedom index 2019, such a low rank of India in the world press freedom index is a result of the violent attack on the Indian journalist which had led to the death of six journalists last year. These murders show a danger the Indian journalists have to face while ground reporting, most of the death have been alleged by the BJP supporters.

On one hand, we talk about Article 19(1) (a), the freedom of speech and expression and on the other hand with journalists have to face the danger of life if they do correct reporting. Once the Former United States deputy said, “Without a free and independent media, true democracy is unattainable”. So it’s time for all of us to decide that do we want the true democracy or democracy which looks colourful in the ‘paid media syndrome’. It is time for us to decide why there is no proper media coverage of any important event in society or our country instead of creating fake debates on irrelevant topics. If we want free and independent media so we have to choose which media provides the correct information about our country rather than being a graduate from WhatsApp University.

Abuse of power by Media

Media as a Fourth Pillar of Democracy ought to understand its limitation of not interfering with the work of the rest of the wings. Jim Morrison an American singer has once said that “Whoever controls the media, controls the mind”. Media has played a very vital role in the impositioning of a political party view to the people of the country. It has played its role in the division of anti-government and Pro-government people in the other words the anti-government people are called the Anti National and the pro-government people are called Bhakts. The division created by the media is completely illogical as the youth leader who has the power to speak against the ruling government are often said to be Anti National people. History shows that when another ruling party was in full majority some youth leaders who had the power to speak against the ruling government were denoted as a youth leader but now the scenario has completely changed now the people who have the power to speak against the ruling government are declared as Anti National by the media. Now the current power of media has enlarged itself to inculcate half of the Indian democratic population by sharing news that is unauthentic and completely biased towards the ruling government.

The media play a very important role in the 2019 general election as a sting operation by a news organisation called cobra post claim and revealed the engagement of the news channels being extremely biased towards the ruling government. With many of the leading media houses and the country’s most senior media personals and journalists to make money in return to push their political agenda in the news channel and non-prime time. The website of cobra post says its recording shows that some of the leading media houses were willing to “not only cause communal disharmony among citizens but also tilt the election outcome in favour of a particular party” and they will do this in return for money [9] Report of the cobra post says that he approached multiple leading media houses offering all of them the similar deal. He also claims that the Hindu monastery was willing to pay a large amount of money for the general elections in 2019 so that the ruling government can remain in power.

In the recent event, one of our greatest commissions the chandrayaan-2 was depicted by the media as the soul work of the lunar mission was done by the current ruling Government and the fact that the mission was started back on November 2nd 2007 and representatives of the Russian federal space agency and ISRO signed an agreement to work together on the chandrayaan-2 project. The Indian government approved the mission in the meeting of the union cabinet held on 18 September 2008 and was chaired by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The design of the spacecraft was completed in August 2009 which scientists of both countries conducted a joint review, but the complete credit was given to the current ruling Government and the fact that the preparation of the chandrayaan2 was started back in 2007 was completely hidden from the general public. Questioning the other wings if democracy is good but delivering judgement before the procedure has even initiated is judiciary or explaining how the legislature should make laws or how the executive should work cannot be the task of media. The major aim of media is to show the people the correct and unbiased news but the current media has completely abused its power and provided the general public with half-truth and bias news.

Legislations for media

Media has the power to influence society at large so it had become important to frame laws for the proper regulation of media. So given under are some laws that are framed by the government for the regulation of media:

Press regulation 1799 : The law made mandatory so that the information provided should be identified with its name and other details.

Gagging Act 1857 : This Act made it mandatory to provide the licence to all the printing press and it also empowered the government to restrain from the publication of any printed material.

Cable television regulation Act 1995 : This act complies with any transmission of communal polarization.

Press council of India Act 1965 : This Act was enacted “for protecting the freedom of the press and maintaining and improving the standards of both newspapers and news agencies.”

The media plays an indispensable role in the proper functioning of a democracy. Without mass media, openness and accountability are very tough to reach in contemporary democracies. By going to the various aspects of how media has the potential for becoming the fourth pillar of democracy, we conclude that it has been given enormous power and have the potential to influence the society at large but this influencing power of the media has gone to the wrong hands. Media has the role of the communicator between the government and the masses so that the policies and programs started by the government could be utilised by the general public but in today's scenario, the role of media is completely distorted by various political agendas and various paid new scandals. The larger picture of democracy is covered in a veil of fake news and the wrong use of media. Certain media houses try to provide the correct news to the general public but their voices are suppressed by putting wrong allegations on the reporters. The laws that regulate print, as well as electronic media, should be used properly to provide the correct news to the people. These all show that ethics and principles on which the foundation of the fourth pillar of democracy was laid, is in a mess and we need to recheck the foundation and provide it with truth, integrity and cornerwise. But this should not be done on the compromise of the transparency and honesty of the media and its agencies, with due importance to ‘media ethics’ all the way. The people of India are the real reasons for whom these pillars were established, so the fourth pillar must properly play its role.

[1]http://rni.nic.in/all_page/press_india.aspx

[2] Constitutional law of India, Dr J.N.Pandey, 2017 edition, page number 207.

[3] Dr Ambedkar speech in constitutional assembly debate, VII, 980.

[4] https://www.businesstoday.in/lok-sabha-elections-2019/news/lok-sabha-election-2019-bjp-congress-other-political-parties-spend-over-Rs-53-crore-on-facebook-google/story/348017.html

[5] https://www.businesstoday.in/lok-sabha-elections-2019/news/lok-sabha-election-2019-bjp-congress-other-political-parties-spend-over-rs-53-crore-on-facebook-google/story/348017.html

[6] https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/internet/report-on-indians-digital-news-habits-points-to-low-trust-fake-news-worries/article26633193.ece

[7] https://www.thequint.com/news/india/list-of-all-journalists-attacked-in-india-in-2018

[8] https://rsf.org/en/ranking_table

[9] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-44280188

• December 2021

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Media is known as the fourth pillar of a democracy. Critically comment on the role of media in the Indian electoral process.

Approach: highlight the significance of media in elections. discuss numerous ways in which media ensure democratic electoral processes and also the major concerns. conclude by providing a way forward. the media play an indispensable role in the proper functioning of a democracy. media's functions within electoral contexts, often focuses on their "watchdog" role: by unfettered scrutiny and discussion of the successes and failures of candidates, governments, and electoral management bodies, the media can inform the public of how effectively they have performed and help to hold them to account. the numerous ways in which media ensure democratic electoral processes generally fall into one of the following categories: media as transparency watchdog by reporting results and monitoring vote counting; by scrutinizing the electoral process itself, including electoral management, in order to evaluate the fairness of the process, its efficiency, and its probity; by reporting on the development of an election campaign; media acts as a mechanism for the prevention and investigation of allegations of violations or malpractice. it brings data into the public thus helping people make an informed choice. media as a campaign platform by providing a platform for the political parties and candidates to communicate their message to the electorate; by allowing the parties and candidates to debate with each other; media as an open forum for debate and discussion/public voice by providing a platform for the public to communicate their concerns, opinions, and needs, to the parties/candidates, the emb, the government, and to other voters, and to interact on these issues; candidates being interviewed by the media for their views on certain policies; media as public educator by educating voters on how to exercise their democratic rights; by providing information that, as far as possible, avoids inflammatory language, helping to prevent election-related violence. concerns: media have a broader responsibility to place words and events into a clear and accurate context. a news report can easily become skewed in favour or against a particular candidate if context of a statement is not accurately provided or portrayed. it is often alleged that media houses focus more on their trp and less on research during elections. one measure of quality election reporting is impartiality. many media houses are funded by various political funding which results in one-sided reporting that conveys the position of a favoured party or candidate without reporting alternative positions. paid news: since there is no institutional mechanism to check the prevalence of paid news, many candidates use the money power to exaggerate the news in their favour or to suppress some negative news. the debates become loud and uninformative with no real value added to the discussion. low quality debated prevents the public from getting the complete information about their candidates in today’s politics and society at large, media is essential to the safeguarding transparency of democratic processes. this is often called its ‘watchdog’ role. transparency is required on many levels including for access to information; accountability and legitimacy of individuals, institutions and processes themselves; and for rightful participation and public debate..

In what ways does the media play an important role in a democracy?

Digital Democracy: Social Media and Public Participation

• Maleeha Sattar
• August 26, 2023
• CSS , CSS Essays , CSS Solved Essays , Current Affairs , Pakistan's Domestic Affairs , Pakistan's External Affairs , PMS , PMS Essays
• 42711 Views

CSS 2022 Solved Essay | Digital Democracy: Social Media and Public Participation | CSS and PMS Solved Essays by Sir Syed Kazim Ali Students

Maleeha Sattar has attempted the essay “ Digital Democracy: Social Media and Public Participation ” on the given pattern, which Sir  Syed Kazim Ali  teaches his students. Sir Syed Kazim Ali has been Pakistan’s top English writing and CSS, PMS essay and precis coach with the highest success rate of his students. The essay is uploaded to help other competitive aspirants learn and practice essay writing techniques and patterns.

1- Introduction

• ✓Technology, indeed, advancing and improving worldwide with its diverse field of novelty
• ✓Forming digital spaces, like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc., broadly encouraging the politically aware public to articulate their views openly while experiencing their freedom of expression right
• ✓Public participation changing the picture of democracy by making it more digital and strengthening it via using social media platforms across the globe
• ✓Therefore, the leader-voter bond formation, youth’s indulgence in welfare activities lessening leaders’ burden, and promulgation of transparency via e-governance initiatives by using digital tools, conjointly giving rise to digital democracy across the boards

2- Debunking the term ‘Digital Democracy’ from the broader perspective

3- How has public participation strengthened digital democracy via social media?

• Case in point:   According to the PEW Research Center, “74pc of the adults in the United States (US) who use social media platforms get news from them”, highlighting the role of social media in disseminating information
• Case in point: The mobilization and activism by people, physically and digitally, to support social causes in the form of movements, like the Arab Spring, Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements, to flourish digital democracy at all fronts is a glaring example of the case
• Case in point: The hashtag “MyCultureMyPride” has aided people on social media platforms, like YouTube and Instagram, to represent their cultures by sharing their cultural videos and pictures, further strengthening pluralism across the boards
• Case in point: According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “White House utilizes social media platforms to engage citizens in discussions and gathers public input on policy issues.”
• Case in point: The online campaigns on social media platforms by infuriated public in the Zainab rape case, helping in the formation of the child abuse and rape-related laws in Pakistan, bolstering the power of digital democracy in the country
• Case in point: The enhanced usage of Twitter accounts by the leaders, like all Pakistan’s political parties’ prominent leaders, showing their online presence, helping them disseminate their parties’ ideology among the masses
• Case in point: According to the United Nations, Coronavirus related updates, the organization has highlighted ten young people’s names from all over the world led the coronavirus response by developing their digital communities to tackle and control the spread of the pandemic at that time
• Case in point: According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) report, “Those countries that focus on e-governance initiatives for development projects have seen improvement in their democracy indexes, along with the enhanced public participation.”

4- Case studies of different countries where public participation has strengthened digital democracy via social media

• ✓ Case study of Taiwan
• ✓ Case study of the US
• ✓ Case study of Pakistan

5- Critical Analysis

6- Conclusion

 Technology has advanced and improved worldwide with its diverse field of novelty. Additionally, the revolutionization of the modes of communication and masses’ interaction in the digital age with the advancements in social media platforms has changed the landscape of countries’ democratic processes and, thus, governing patterns. Indeed, forming digital spaces like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc., has encouraged the politically aware public to articulate their views openly while experiencing their freedom of expression broadly. Consequently, public participation has changed the picture of democracy by making it more digital and strengthening it via using social media platforms across the globe. Looking at the intense magnitude of digital democracy in today’s world, civic engagement by using social media has enlarged the information pool for the masses, shaped their opinion towards their leaders and promulgated digital democracy, particularly. Besides this, social media’s activism and cultural assimilation practices, by people, have also contributed to the flourishing digital democracy on all fronts. Despite engaging citizens in decision-making procedures, political accountability via online campaigns has also lessened the trust deficit between the public and stakeholders, fostering digital democracy in societies. Therefore, the leader-voter bond formation, youth’s indulgence in welfare activities reducing leaders’ burden, and promulgation of transparency via e-governance initiatives by using digital tools, conjointly, have given rise to digital democracy across the boards. This essay highlights how public participation has strengthened digital democracy via social media.

Before jumping towards the maxim of how public participation has strengthened digital democracy via social media, the understanding of the term ‘Digital Democracy’ in the broader perspective holds the greatest importance. Indeed, the jargon encapsulates the concept denoting the introduction of digital infrastructures in the organizations’ structure via reforms to establish a more effective and unrestricted democratic setup, building the collective government body best suited for the efficient conduct of the current state of affairs. Speaking in a neutral vein, digital democracy has become a significant factor in the social media age, as it promulgates transparency in the institutions by empowering the citizen-to-citizen contact at large. Moreover, it helps incorporation and inclusion of different ideas and viewpoints in the overall functioning of the government system and gives rise to a new form of business-oriented teamwork-based environment in the system, along with technology-led public management skills of the leaders at length.

Talking about the maxim of how public participation has strengthened digital democracy via social media, it, in fact, has increased civic engagement for access to information on social media platforms, greatly influencing and shaping public opinion. For instance, according to the PEW Research Center, “74 per cent of the adults in the United States (US) who use social media platforms get news from them”, highlighting the role of social media in the dissemination of information related to the ongoing events at the global front. As a result, they build their opinion and act accordingly for the promulgation of democracy in their respective domains on the basis of that information. Thus, the elevated level of public participation has helped foster digital democracy in the countries through the productive use of social media.

In addition, creating awareness among the masses for the achievement of basic human rights also strengthens digital democracy via the use of social media. Indeed, it has shown in the mobilization and activism by people, physically and digitally too, to support social causes in the form of movements, like the Arab Spring, Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements, to flourish digital democracy at all fronts is a glaring example of the case. In this way, they could make public officials aware of the sentiments of the downtrodden segments of society. And via activism, they could seek social justice in all directions, which is necessary for the promotion of digital democracy worldwide.

Besides, the public actively participates in the fostering of cultural diversity via social media platforms, which is mandatory for flourishing digital democracy in all domains. For instance, the hashtag “MyCultureMyPride” has aided people on social media platforms, like YouTube and Instagram, to represent their cultures by sharing their cultural videos and pictures, further strengthening pluralism across the boards. By doing this, virtual people-to-people contact via social media enhances, and the public becomes a capable force that could overthrow power centralization in all political spheres. As a result, digital democracy takes its toll in full swing and negates all authoritative, feudal practices broadly.

Apart from it, active public participation with the productive use of social media platforms has compelled political heads of the states to engage citizens in discussions related to policymaking. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “The White House utilizes social media platforms to engage citizens in discussions and gathers public input on policy issues.” It clearly shows that government institutes, by following the general will principles, also contribute to the advancement of digital democracy by including active and responsible citizens in decision-making. Therefore, digital democracy has smoothened due to the social media platforms in today’s world.

Likewise, the public’s active participation through the usage of social media in the online campaign’s form has also reinforced the political accountability of the officials. Such as the online campaigns on social media platforms that infuriated the public in the Zainab rape case, helping in the formation of child abuse and rape-related laws in Pakistan, and bolstering the power of digital democracy in the country. After accomplishing this, child abuse has ceased for a longer period of time in Pakistan, and consequently, the incident has helped in bridging the gap between the public and stakeholders. Hence, public participation has helped maintain a transparency level in the country, furthering digital democracy with the help of social media.

Similarly, the zestful usage of social media by political leaders has boosted their one-on-one interaction with their vigilant voter diaspora . Illustratively, the enhanced usage of Twitter accounts by the leaders, like all of Pakistan’s political parties’ prominent leaders, shows their online presence, helping them disseminate their parties’ ideology among the masses. In return, the public, influenced by their views, supports them blindly in the electoral campaigns and rallies. In this manner, they openly demand them in office as their representative running the government functions for the effective development of digital democracy in the country.

 Moving ahead towards another justification proving the maxim, the augmented youth efforts during crisis situations using digital tools have kicked the digital democracy’s gradients upstairs. According to the United Nations coronavirus-related updates, the organization has highlighted ten young people’s names from all over the world who led the coronavirus response by developing their digital communities to tackle and control the spread of the pandemic at that time. Due to their diligent participation, the countries’ leaders were capable of tackling the birth of new evils and focusing on the achievement of Sustainable Development’s seventeen goals (17 SDGs) with a collective efforts strategy instead of a man show. Hence, vigilant public participation helps elevate the digital democracy rates via using social media.

Last but not least, the masses’ social involvement has stimulated the effectiveness of e-governance, giving rise to digital democracy in the contemporary world. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) report, “Those countries that focus on e-governance initiatives for their multidimensional development, along with the enhanced public participation, have seen improvement in their democracy indexes.” By analyzing the facts, the countries’ people actively participate and gain information from their governance portals and question the validity of the officials’ actions, too, as they have the right to information as an accountability card for the enhancement of their country’s institutional transparency. Therefore, public participation indeed aids in strengthening digital democracy via social media.

The above discussion could be emboldened by giving examples of some developing countries where public participation has strengthened digital democracy via social media. The very first one in the row is the case study of the country Taiwan. Without any doubt, the country’s officials have developed the e-petition platform to include its citizens in decision-making. As a result, the empowered youth have actively taken part in the resolution of the Uber, a ride-sharing app, issue , further enhancing their consensus and participation in the country’s legal working and app launching activities. Thus, Taiwan’s public involvement has invigorated the country’s digital democracy through social media platforms.

Second, the United States also explains the strength of civic engagement by proactively using social media platforms, which has augmented digital democracy in the country. Delineating their citizens’ activity, the masses have actively used social media platforms during the US’s 2016 elections . In fact, they have shown their sentiments via slogan raising and hashtag development on their Twitter accounts to dominate their allegiance to their leaders. Through their online voting system, they have also ensured transparency in the voter turnout rates. Therefore, digital democracy has been raised to its height via social media in the country by the public.

Lastly, Pakistan’s case study has significantly outlined the increasing support of digital democracy by the public’s social media using capacity in the current global environment, which can be gauged by the availability ratio of the internet in the country. According to the Digital Pakistan report (2022), “61 million people out of 220 million population are internet users.” It clearly shows that the public has enthusiastically used social media platforms to raise their concerns and get connected with their leaders, the necessary element in the promulgation of digital democracy in the country’s multiple domains. Hence, the public’s interest has compelled the officials to ensure democracy in the country in today’s social media age.

In a critical diagnosis, digital democracy, standing on the pillars of social media platforms, has undoubtedly been promulgated by productive public participation. Speaking in a positive manner, the concept has gained so much popularity among the masses that it helps foster diverse perspectives in societies and encourages people to work collectively in a win-win situation instead of relying on self-help. However, the enhanced public participation that has strengthened digital democracy via social media could be proved as a double-edged sword in the coming future in the form of propaganda games, further raising prisoner’s dilemma for the future world order. But for now, social engagement has always borne fruits for society by boosting digital democracy in a positive way, paving the countries’ way towards development.

In conclusion, using social media platforms actively by the global citizens in the global village has raised the standards of democracy in the twenty-first century. Surely, the inclusion of digital telecommunication tools in the government structure has raised the living standards of the masses and ensured the active accountability of the leaders holding public offices. Furthermore, it also helped the masses become well aware of their rights and their timely dispensation, boosting the levels of digital democracy and taking it to an advanced level. In the end, digital democracy by using social media has strengthened due to the continuous struggle of the public, seeking pluralism by accepting diversity at all fronts. 

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