The role of media is not only to inform people about what is happening in the world but to put an objective view of the contemporary world and act as a leader. It can be the most powerful means of educating the masses about social menace, not informing but educating. Today when TV is not a luxury and it is available to all classes of society, what is shown by media has a deep impact on people and their thinking. Media has the power to transform the personality of people watching it, because it deals with ideas,at the same time if it does not understand its responsibility it can erode the intellectual level and moral values. The argument given by media that they show what people want is totally irresponsible and is degrading the media. Media is not an ordinary business that sells daily commodities which people buy and forget, it deals with the ideas which have transforming effect on the people, It has to be more responsible. Today people are busy in entertaining themselves and has very less time to look into the surrounding world and to work for its betterment. Now it is up to media who either can choose to go to that level, perpetuate it and sell its news as ordinary goods or take up the job of uplifting it.If media also act as an entertainment then how are they going to know about their capabilities, role and responsibilities in the real world . The world which includes the fellow humans too. Earlier children used to get social education from their parents,elders , colony and school, today when families are small , parents don't have time for their children and schools are only for syllabus completion media can fill the void created. It can effectively revive the moral values and sense of social responsibility among the citizens but if it is busy in making money by entertaining them, this purpose cannot be fulfilled, and the results are grave. Why is that the people who once fought for freedom and establishment of democracy in our country are not at all interested in it ? Is it not because they have forgotten what they could do with the intellect they have got, their contribution could make a positive tremendous change in the way we live, the problems we face. In fact some problems would just cease to exist one awareness about their causes and consequences are objectively placed in front of the people. For example communalism which is a serious problem which our country is facing, if people are made to understand how it has already caused tragedy of partition and numerous riots, and why it is necessary to be away from such menace and how we can be a more powerful and happy nation without it , they would surely understand. But the reality is that people are busy with sensations,cricket, movies, advertisements,serials etc. and they don't want to watch the documentary on topics like communalism, untouchability, social inequality and in general nation and society ! unless it gives some kind of entertainment. This is where our media grab an opportunity and use this argument knowingly or unknowingly to throw sensational news and debates. Some people who are obsessed with the individual rights of freedom to choose , freedom of expression may argue that in a free society a person is free to see what they want and state shall not impose morality or anything on him. But are we accusing the commercial advertisements for the same violations ? Their argument is people buy what they want it is just a promotion, but commercials does affect a persons mind, In the same way if media can act as an advertiser for intellect, moral values and social issues it can bring a positive change in the society. And on that day It would fully realize its power and serve its true purpose.
(some excerpts taken from Justice Katju's speech on media leadership)
(some excerpts taken from Justice Katju's speech on media leadership)
