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The democratic form of government or democracy was the widely chosen option by nation states which emerged in 20th

century after getting freedom from exploitative colonial rule. This provided ray of hope for the depressed masses as democracy gave them share of representation in the corridors of power and media offered the pivotal link between the government and the common people. Media is infact considered fourth pillar of any democracy-the other three being executive,legislature,and judiciary. They reinforce each other by a mechanism which has evolved over time as evident from recent happenings in the Arab world-by vigilant role of media. Media manifests itself in many forms-print, electronic and now digital (Internet) whatever be its form-it tries to simplify the complex relation between the government functioning on one hand and aspirations of the people on the other. It provides a realistic check in a democratic setup where people become partner in government by expressing their opinions which is made visible by the media. In India art.-19 of our constitution provides for individuals (a FR under constitution) to express their opinions and express other opinions as well and media derives its power from this. While exercising this freedom media should follow restraint and become mirror of government policy and should never indulge in bias for any party -as this would shatter faith on any democratic elected government and impede its working and thus the momentum of growth policy it is pursuing. Media evolved from primitive times with the development of technology which has helped in democratization of media by widening its scope and reach. Earlier Radio broadcast forma a unidirectional audio link between the news room and the remotely located audience. Now TV and now internet revolution has altered its mode of presentation which is interactive. The cable revolution and DTH has led to growth of many news channel privately held and thus provides unregulated content to the people. Real time news made people aware of remote news and helps in formation of informed opinion which is good for growth of democracy.Globalisation has shortened distances and we compare the policies and performance of government all over the world. In this led to Arab uprising earlier this year when people rebelled against tyrannical autocratic rule which served despots inters and undermine common good-Egypt/Tunisia erupted in revolution for change which led to ouster of ruler and democratization gained roots. Role of media in formation of democracy is evident from media coverage of parties election which makes people know of party agendas and help selection of genuine candidate/party .The continuous coverage by media of functioning helps evaluation of role of parties either as ruling or opposition. The live proceedings of LS/RS show working of our representatives in parliament and sometimes expose their ill-doings like the cash for vote scam. This forms a check on politicians and guard them against corrupt behavior in their said endeavour to serve the people and make them efficient.

Media has added to its repute by their constant reporting of long held cases and helped in bringing justice. The media trial of Jessica lal case and many such cases compelled judiciary to take suo motto cognizance of closed cases and finally justice pronounced. Another outcome of this is the judicial activism which is helping people realizes their FR in more emphatic way. India diverse cultural landscape demands a stronger media to unite people of different faith religion linguistic following with its Trans national reach. Culture al understanding is promoted through several programmes.When a telecast of a cricket match is on every Indian unites n spirit and backs the country and thus brotherhood and integrity is strengthened -sole ideals of our democracy. While media in several ways has strengthened democracy immaturity on part of some medial personnel also create divisive forces and democracy is threatened.Sensationalisation of news to gather cheap popularity (TRP) makes media unrestraint display footage which is to avoided. The communal unrest brought about in Gujarat riots in 2002 where broadcast of unedited pictures of blood wrapped victims spread violent to other parts of the country. These calls for media understand delicate issues and become more accountable in their pursuit-they should unite and not divide. The commercialization of media has led to capture of media power in hands of big business houses and accounts for biased reporting of issues and has now resulted in malafide activity of paid news to support particular client. This nexus between the politicians and media houses be exposed and the culprits be punished with existing laws in the country like the Niira raadia case. People look at media a transparent organization which is their guide in national understanding and if this doesnt happen our democracy may rupture. Media in India has enjoyed a fair position which emanates fro democracy unlike in china where communist government setup bans free media and has strict regulation on its content. With this status Media role gets magnified and encourage it to take India to new levels of development under the aegis of democracy.

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