Social responsibility of media

In technical terms, media refers to the storage and transmission tools used to store and deliver information. In journalism, the media refers to the sources which provide information about current events, trends, issues and people, the analysts and the electronic systems and software which aid presentation of data. Today, ‘media’ is used synonymously with mass media or news media.

Media of today is much more advanced than that existed at the time of independence or even before. With the advent of technology and professionalism, the media has become much more effective today. Moreover, with power come responsibilities.

Media must play an important role in the development of the nation. It must act as the voice of the people. Once people’s representatives are chosen, the media must ensure that they must work to fulfil their promises. Media must highlight the problems of the people and if possible also work out solutions to solve them. Till date, media’s involvement in politics and general development has been important in mitigating corruption and favouritism. Media must help in formulating national opinion on any issue by highlighting its every aspect. Moreover, media must promote and publicise the heritage of the country, new developments at college and industrial level, achievements of various students in all fields, upcoming of various entrepreneurs etc.

Media with its new information and communication technology can analyse the minds of political parties, pressure groups and new social movements for public information and opinion construction. However, it often fails due to self-critical examination of the news, opinions, articles and editorials on conflicts and violence. At times, media ignores the possible consequences of fabricated, biased or sensitive information being portrayed among the people, which lead to misunderstanding and preaching of hatred, fear and communal feeling. Moreover, media exploits its freedom of speech to dishonour celebrities and politicians, as a means to take revenge or to fulfil personal desires.

Today, as the world progresses towards successful development and globalization, it is the moral responsibility of the media to abstain from generating false news and conflicts and to address the nature and sources of interstate and internal conflicts. If possible media must discuss and implement the preventive measures and work towards establishing peace and honour.