Media is considered as the fourth pillar of democracy in India, the nation that has come a long way over the last many years across sectors concerning various subjects.
As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day today, it is important that we understand how media has a significant role to play in democracy and the structure of governance in the country, across states or districts.
The press freedom in the Northeast is comparatively in a better position as compared to the alleged chaos in the national sphere. Editors work as dedicated gatekeepers in the functioning of media.
“On World Press Freedom Day, media persons should reflect as to whether our souls still belong to us or whether we are sold out. Most media in India today have become cheerleaders of the ruling party. I wonder what press freedom means in such circumstances.”, reads a tweet by Patricia Mukhim, a Senior Journalist from Meghalaya.
“Ahead of World Press Freedom day, can’t but look with amazement at comedian Trevor Noah making fun of US president on rising fuel prices and Joe Biden laughing away at joke! In India, he might be dubbed ‘anti-national’, have a sedition case slapped on him!”, read a tweet by Senior National Media Editor Rajdeep Sardesai yesterday.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is in charge of looking after media affairs. It is” one of the vital Ministries that represent the face of the government in reaching out to the masses.”
According to their official website, the Ministry is entrusted with the task of disseminating information about government policies, schemes and programmes through the different mediums of mass communication covering radio, television, press, social media, printed publicity like booklets; posters, outdoor publicity including through traditional modes of communication such as dance, drama, folk recitals, puppet shows etc.
It further adds, The Ministry is also the focal point as regards policy matters related to the private broadcasting sector, administering of the public broadcasting service- Prasar Bharati, multi-media advertising and publicity of the policies and programmes of the Union Government, film promotion and certification and regulation of print media.