Understanding Media

Exercises

1. In what ways does the media play an important role in a democracy?
Answer: Role of media in democracy is as under:

1. It is the fourth pillar of a democracy which makes us aware of social, political and economical activities.
2. Provides news and discussing events taking place in the country and the world.
3. It gives people information about how government works.
4. It also give information about the election related news and results.
5. It raises the issues or problems related to the common people in front of politicians.
6. It also acts as a reminder for the politicians or ministers about their promises.

2. Can you give this diagram a title? What do you understand about the link between media and big business from this diagram?

Answer: The title given to this diagram is "Media and Business house money cycle".
From this diagram, we understood that there is a cyclic flow of money between media and big business.

1. Media shows news of interest to the people on radio, TV and newspaper.
2. Big business houses advertise their products through media to attract people.
3. Media show these advertisements by taking some charges and makes profit.
4. People buy these products of the big business and thus the cost and advertisements along with some profit returns to them.

3. You have read about the ways in which the media ‘sets the agenda’. What kind of effect does this have in a democracy? Provide two examples to support your point of view.
Answer: Effect of this agenda in a democracy:

1. It influences the thoughts, feelings and actions of the people.
2. It brings attention of the people to the various issues of the people.
3. Somehow, it has influence in our lives and in shaping our thoughts and thus sets the agenda.

Two examples in support:

• The media drew our attention to alarming levels of pesticides in cola drinks. They published reports that indicated the high level of pesticides and thus made us aware of the need to regularly monitor these colas according to international quality and safety standards.
• It published the news of the mass numbers of suicide committed by the farmers which leads to large scale movement and people support and thus forced the government to look further on this issues.