Role of media as a watchdog in a democracy

Role of media as a watchdog in a democracy

In a democracy, several rights are given to the citizens and residents with the aim of ensuring a better quality of life such as freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and respect for political pluralism. Media forms the 4th pillar of democracy. It plays an important role in keeping democracy alive and thriving. The Role of media is vital as a watchdog for uncovering errors and wrongdoings in the democracy. Media gives people a voice to express their views and concerns over government policies, programs as well as hold officials accountable for any negligence or abuse of power by them.

Role of media as a watchdog in a democracy

The media's role is to report on public affairs and investigate wrongdoing in the administration of public affairs. The media's watchdog role can be played through exposing cases of frauds or corruption cases that personally benefit politicians.

The media plays an important role in auditing government policies and spending. It is the fourth pillar – the watchman as a critical force for government accountability and transparency. An unbiased independent media remains one of the most crucial elements for transparent reporting.

Media plays an important role in educating people about various issues. As our country is a democratic country thus there is more importance of media for the government to provide information on various issues to the public so that they can take a proper decision regarding a particular issue.

The role of media as a watchdog in a democracy is very vital. It ensures accountability of the government by exposing the bad state of democracy. By playing its watchdog role, the media help bring about reforms and in the long term, assist in creating a culture of transparency and government accountability.

In a democratic election, the media play an important role in becoming the watchdog of any underhand activities which may take place during the campaign period. It is imperative that the media remain unbiased towards the candidates and make no biased comments about candidate’s past records or personal affairs. Instead, they should be objective and present facts surrounding a particular issue without bias.

The press also serve as a platform for debate and discussion so that there is a transparent platform for debate and participation of the representatives in various national debates and discussions which allow citizens to choose accordingly. This allows for an active role that includes being watchful over what is happening, letting one know when wrongs are being committed and providing assistance in setting right what is going wrong.

Citizens can demand anything from the government through the media. Media also facilitates the process of participatory democracy. In this way media acts as bridge between citizens and the government.

A media acts as an informal opposition when the main opposition party is small in number, or is on the other side of the issue. Newspaper debates can raise or set an agenda for political debate. It is also known as an alternative opposition.

Challenges on Media

Independence and diversity of media have been a challenge for since long. In this era, however, media has become a tool for power to influence public opinion rather than creating critical and independent media.

Censorship is the act of preventing freedom of speech, or controlling the flow of information and ideas. The political leaders encourage censorship of media. Various efforts are made to control and contain media through stringent norms and regulations.

Sedition law: Section 124a of IPC under which sedition is punishable by life imprisonment endanger the freedom of journalists. This lead to fear among journalists to work freely,

Section 124a of IPC under which sedition is punishable by life imprisonment endanger the freedom of journalists. This leads to fear among journalists to work freely, without any fear of government interference or police harassment in their job.

Political influence refers to the ability of government, businesses, and other groups to motivate or manipulate public opinion. Corporate and political power has overwhelmed large sections of the media, both print and visual, which lead to vested interests and destroy freedom.

Way forward

There is a need to formulate a legal framework where the government would be prohibited from imposing arbitrary restrictions on media content.

The right of free expression and freedom of the media are fundamental rights of the citizens. Therefore, the strengthening of the justice system is important to protect journalists to ensure they have the safety to carry out their professional duty.

Media ownership brings with it a concentration of power and money that leaves media vulnerable to political and commercial influences. Limiting the power of big media companies means more diversity, more viewpoints on issues and stronger outlets for free speech.

There is a need to establish independent press councils, media watch groups, Ombudsmen, and other media self‐regulatory bodies autonomous from the government. This would improve transparency in the sector and reduce underhand dealings between political and economic power brokers and news outlets.

Awards and accolades are a big thing in journalism. Government must Institute awards and other forms of recognition for excellence in watchdog reporting.

The media must be fair, unbiased and free from any government interference. While it is difficult to make everyone agree what is a fair and unbiased media, there are ways in which we can try to ensure it becomes more free and open.