Let’s begin with the historical (immortal too) statement of Edmund Burke, worldwide acclaimed British statesman and also renowned for his oratory; pleaded the cause of the American colonists in British Parliament and defended the parliamentary system. Burke emphasized the role of Three Estates in Parliament and termed the reporter’s gallery as the Fourth Estate, more significant and also potent than the others. What is the condition of the same Fourth Estate now as far as India is concerned? Well, the Indian media, if truth be told, did play commendable role in the initial years of Indian democracy but now, it seems that Indian variant of Fourth Estate has lost the essence.
How can one be so sure? After all, this is nothing save a grave allegation! Well, there is a need of explanation, even if succinctly. Democracy, in short, is a political system in which the supreme power does remain in a body of citizens who have the competence to elect people to represent them or is the ideal formation of people’s rights. And the role of media has always been to endorse the same through unbiased criticism, good way of monishing the democratic institutions regarding any intent to adopt flawed measures. Truly, it can be termed as the conscience of people at large.
India did witness the same once but there was a mishmash when the greater portion of Indian media did crawl instead of bending before the Indian governance of 70s. And the vigor lost in the midway. What has been witnessed after those stormy days is nothing save a desire to retain own political clout sacrificing the zeal to uphold the saga of Indian democracy.
It is to be noted that the first and foremost task of media is to serve in the form of an interface between the government and commoner in a democratic set up or to serve as a bridge. Are you witnessing the same in India other than assuaging corporate interests?
How can one be so sure? After all, this is nothing save a grave allegation! Well, there is a need of explanation, even if succinctly. Democracy, in short, is a political system in which the supreme power does remain in a body of citizens who have the competence to elect people to represent them or is the ideal formation of people’s rights. And the role of media has always been to endorse the same through unbiased criticism, good way of monishing the democratic institutions regarding any intent to adopt flawed measures. Truly, it can be termed as the conscience of people at large.
India did witness the same once but there was a mishmash when the greater portion of Indian media did crawl instead of bending before the Indian governance of 70s. And the vigor lost in the midway. What has been witnessed after those stormy days is nothing save a desire to retain own political clout sacrificing the zeal to uphold the saga of Indian democracy.
It is to be noted that the first and foremost task of media is to serve in the form of an interface between the government and commoner in a democratic set up or to serve as a bridge. Are you witnessing the same in India other than assuaging corporate interests?