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chapter 21 UNDerSTaNDING meDIa

Media is a plural form of the word medium, that means a way of communicating information,
etc. to people. Media includes every broadcasting and narrowcasting medium such as
magazines, newspapers, T.V., radio, telephone, fax, direct mail and internet, etc.
Types of meDia

On the basis of the technologies used by the media, they can
be classified into print media and electronic media.

1. Print mEDia

They include newspapers, magazines, books, journals,
periodicals, etc. These are printed documents, so they are Magazines Newspapers
collectively called Print Media.

2. ElEctronic mEDia
Radio, TV, internet, etc. are called
the electronic media. They are

called so because we need to use
electronics to access them.
rolE oF mEDia T.V Computer Radio

The media has undoubtedly evolved and become more active over the years. It plays a
crucial role in shaping a healthy democracy. It is the back bone of democracy. Media is like
a mirror, which shows us or strives to show us the bare truth and harsh realities of life.
The media exposes loopholes in the democratic system, which ultimately helps government
in filling the vacuums of loopholes and making a system more accountable, responsive and
citizen-friendly. A democracy without media is like a vehicle without wheels.
Television and radio have made a significant achievement in educating rural illiterate
masses in making them aware of all the events in their language. Coverage of exploitative
malpractices of village heads and moneylenders has helped in taking stringent actions
against them by attracting governments attentions.
The media influences the public opinion deeply. In fact, the people’s opinion about an
issue are based mainly on information given by the media. Since education has expanded
awareness and opinion has built up, it is the citizens to make up their minds. In this way,
they shape public opinion.
On the basis of the opinion made by media information, people often make government
aware of their reactions on its working and decisions. They do this by writing letters to
the concerned minister, organising a public protest, signature campaign and asking the
government to rethink its programmes, etc.

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