Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The phrase ‘Media is a Parliament of citizens’ encapsulates the vital role the media plays in a democratic setup. Traditionally, a parliament is a forum for debate, deliberation, and law-making, representing the will of the people. However, in contemporary democracies, the media – encompassing print, television, radio, and increasingly, digital platforms – has emerged as a powerful space where citizens express their views, scrutinize government actions, and participate in shaping public policy. This expanded public sphere, facilitated by the media, effectively functions as an ongoing, dynamic ‘parliament’ of the citizenry.
Media as a Platform for Public Discourse
The media provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, allowing citizens to engage in public discourse on issues of national importance. This is analogous to the debates and discussions that occur within a parliament.
- Agenda Setting: Media outlets, through their coverage, influence which issues are considered important by the public, similar to how a parliament prioritizes legislation.
- Public Opinion Formation: By presenting different viewpoints, the media shapes public opinion and influences policy decisions. This mirrors the role of parliament in reflecting and responding to public sentiment.
- Citizen Journalism & Social Media: The rise of citizen journalism and social media has further democratized the media landscape, allowing individuals to directly participate in news dissemination and public debate. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have become virtual town halls.
Media’s Role in Accountability and Oversight
A crucial function of parliament is to hold the executive accountable. The media performs a similar role by scrutinizing government actions and exposing corruption or wrongdoing.
- Investigative Journalism: Investigative reporting, like the exposure of the 2G spectrum scam (2010) or the Radia tapes (2010), acts as a check on power, forcing accountability.
- Right to Information (RTI) & Media: The interplay between the RTI Act, 2005 and media reporting has been instrumental in uncovering corruption and promoting transparency.
- Parliamentary Coverage: Media coverage of parliamentary proceedings, though often selective, keeps citizens informed about the actions of their representatives.
Limitations and Challenges
While the media functions as a ‘parliament of citizens’, it is not without its limitations. These challenges can hinder its effectiveness and distort the democratic process.
- Media Ownership & Bias: Concentrated media ownership can lead to biased reporting and suppression of dissenting voices.
- Fake News & Misinformation: The proliferation of fake news and misinformation, particularly on social media, erodes public trust and undermines informed debate. According to a Reuters Institute report (2023), misinformation is a significant threat to democratic processes globally.
- Sensationalism & Yellow Journalism: The focus on sensationalism and ‘yellow journalism’ can detract from substantive issues and polarize public opinion.
- Lack of Diversity: Underrepresentation of marginalized communities in media ownership and reporting can lead to biased coverage and exclusion of important perspectives.
| Parliament | Media (as Parliament of Citizens) |
|---|---|
| Formal institution with elected representatives | Informal platform with diverse participants |
| Law-making and policy formulation | Agenda-setting, public opinion formation |
| Accountability through questions and debates | Accountability through investigative journalism and scrutiny |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the assertion that ‘Media is a Parliament of citizens’ holds considerable truth. The media, in its multifaceted forms, provides a crucial space for public discourse, accountability, and citizen participation, mirroring many of the functions of a traditional parliament. However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations posed by media ownership, misinformation, and bias. Strengthening media ethics, promoting media literacy, and fostering a diverse and independent media landscape are crucial for ensuring that the media effectively serves as a vibrant and representative ‘parliament’ for all citizens.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.