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What is media? What all is covered in media?
Kinds of media
the channels news reaches us by
Print media
Newspapers, magazines
Example:
the oldest form
Electronic media
News channels, radio
Example:
reaches us within minutes
Social media
YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, X
Example:
anyone can post
- Media means the channels through which news and information reach people.
- It covers:
Type
Examples
Print media
Newspapers, magazines
Electronic media
News channels on television, radio
Social media
YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, X and similar platforms
How has media become an integral part of our life?
- We read the newspaper in the morning, watch news on television, and check updates on our phones through the day.
- Information about the country and the world reaches us within minutes .
What is the role of media in democracy?
![Role of Media in Democracy - Democracy - [Teachoo] - Concepts](https://cdn.teachoo.com/b0b5f9e4-a198-41b0-8d7a-f2f65f29ef27/the-press-at-work.jpg)
The press at work
What the book says
What it looks like in India
Keeps people
informed
about developments around the world
News channels and newspapers report election results, budgets and court judgments
Serves as a
voice of the masses
A village without a road or a school gets its problem heard when a newspaper or channel reports it
Raises issues
concerning the public and contributes to their
resolution
through appropriate mechanisms
Reports on poor civic facilities or corruption push authorities to act
Why is media called the 'fourth pillar of democracy'?
Why the media is the fourth pillar
Safeguards people's voices
carries their concerns
Upholds democratic principles
informs and questions
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The fourth pillar, beside the legislature, executive and judiciary
- The first three pillars are the legislature , executive and judiciary - the three organs of government.
- Media is called the fourth pillar because:
- It safeguards people's voices - it carries the concerns of ordinary citizens to those in power, so even people holding no position get heard.
- It upholds democratic principles - by informing citizens and questioning those in power, it supports accountability, transparency and freedom of expression.
- The chapter calls media the fourth pillar but does not name the first three.
1. Name three kinds of media mentioned in the chapter.
Show answer
Newspapers, news channels and social media platforms.
2. What does it mean to call media the 'voice of the masses'?
Show answer
That media carries the concerns and opinions of ordinary people, so their voice is heard.
3. What two things does media do about public issues?
Show answer
It raises issues concerning the public, and contributes to their resolution through appropriate mechanisms.
4. Why is media called the fourth pillar of democracy?
Show answer
Because of its critical role in safeguarding people's voices and upholding democratic principles.
5. Which are the first three pillars?
Show answer
The legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
