Media is the fourth pillar of our democracy. Free media marks the stability and strength of a democracy. In India freedom of press is enshrined in Article 19(1) of our constitution, but unlike America it is not expressly mentioned in it. It is said "A pen is mightier than a sword." This saying has time and again proved its authenticity.
Right from the struggle for independence till the recent movement called judicial activism, media has stirred the people, caused revolt and united the people. Freedom strugglers conveyed their thoughts and ideas through local newspapers and compelled the people to think, rise and revolt. Today also, it is media only which forces us to think, rise and demand.
Lately, we saw an active judiciary over ruling their previous judgements and convicting some high profile accused. Media played a very important role in bringing this positive change in our judicial system. The conviction of affluent businessmen, and police officers reinforced our lost faith in the judicial system of India. This was the result of public movements. People rose for those hapless people whom they didn't know personally. The silent march, lighting of candle at India Gate, sudden gush of Adrenalin at the sight of the accused were seen for the first time after the independence of India. We cried for the helpless victims, prayed for the needy and rejoiced at the conviction of high profile criminals. Thanks to Media, we felt like ‘One India’.
No doubt electronic media gives us the latest, updated information; the addiction of print media hasn't faded away. Print media, on one hand, has become an indispensable part of our life while on the other hand the mushrooming news channels, in their attempt to be the best, bring us the latest information from every corner of the world.
Both types of media have their own importance and can co-exist in our society. Both have their merits, but the line of control seems to be perishing with their intrusion into our private lives. Irrelevant news becoming breaking news is common now-a-days and media highlight them more than any other news of national importance. Sometimes the limits of sensibility are also crossed. Amputated limbs, murder of abducted hapless people, charred bodies are shown on the news channels, thus, killing the sensitivity of the people and sometimes causing rude shock.
With sixty years of independence our country as well as media has come a long way. Self imposed censorship up to some extent is expected and advised. TRP and competition should be irrelevant issues for this strong pillar of a matured democracy of the world which has come full circle.
