Role of Media

Media has been a potent force for centuries and because of its relevance it has been the cynosure of political bigwigs ever since. The ruling class have always been worried over the fact that in a society which is overtly dominated by the silent listeners, media is the only forum though which a challenge can be imposed.Media was non existent prior to British era in a organized form till Bengal Gazette appeared as the first formal media publication. However, Even in those days media was perceived powerful and it was not afraid to expose and challenge the mightiest.  On the other hand the rulers were never shy of controlling it.Fearing that the press may present their intrigues to the public, the Governor-General  Warren Hasting imposed government censorship on Indian papers in 1781 which continued strictly till 1835. He in fact was even impeached by British parliament for this before actually being acquitted by virtue of being the ruling class. History tells us that State interference with the press did not disappear at any stage of the British rule. During the period of partition of Bengal and Boycott and Swadeshi Movement, there were severe restrictions on the media. 

This was not only the story of British raj but also else where in the world in all kind of setup. The story of nazi's Germany and Mussolini's Italy is known to all. 
Democracy , in which the sovereignty lies in the hands of the people as their elected representatives’ rule and run the country , gave media the primary role and paramount responsibility of expressing public opinion through written/spoken words. In India, the right to freedom of expression enshrined in constitution made media the essential component and fourth pillar of democracy. 

However, The oppression of the popular opinion and the restrictions on the media, in fact, go together. No political leaders accept it by heart and look for every opportunity to restrict it or control it. But whosoever has tried to control it have been finally thrown out. Congress lost in elections in 1977, immediately after emergency and censorship of media. Democracy is in so much love with free media, that it does not forgive any attempt to control or curb it.

Even though the dimension of media has changed from a hand written periodic journals and newspaper to a highly sophisticated technology with much bigger reach, the primary role has remained same. The media is the mirror of society in a democratic country as it acts as a vital link between the governing and the governed. As a matter of fact, a bold media is the most important pre requisite of a country with a democratic set up. They are the guiding light through which those governed understand the deeds of those governing.It has immense power to influence the minds of the people.As an instrument of social change, economic progress and moral development it should uphold certain values and principles.

With the development of science and technology there has been a valuable addition in the range of  the electronic media and typescripts seem to have taken the centre-stage because of its spicy presentation. The TRP has become more important and sensation has overridden the investigative journalism. It has become a parallel parliament and judicial system where matters are being presented in a pre conceived and planned manner. The free wheeling approach has started melting and media from being un biased is now appeared to have political patronage and inclinations because of the business reason. The different political class appears to be controlling different groups remotely financially. The curbs are apparent in the race of money. Also, the people who are representing media today are the people from a select class. There is entry barrier created and only the suave with a public school background with very little abilities to understand the nerve of the people from ground are managing and controlling the output. The outcome is skewed and is making it irrelevant on many occasions.

The political parties who once feared media , now knows the art to control and mould it for them.The weakening of print media and growth of television media has been majorly responsible for the slide and  dilution of role.

However, there is always a silver lining round the corner. The mode of media is again changing with advent of Internet technology with its far reach and cost effectiveness. The social media is now taking over the role of guardian and conscious keeper .The internet is quickly becoming the centre of our lives, and it is safe to predict it will replace television’s key role in our homes.

There is going to be a technical convergence of all types of media through Internet but eventually, it will see the role of media strengthening with more participation and lesser influence of money and political power.