[Answered] “In the era of fake news and propagandas, a robust and unbiased media is must to ensure democracy in India”. Critically analyse.

Media is considered as “Fourth Pillar” in democratic countries along with Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, as without a free media a healthy democratic system cannot exist. Democracy is meaningless without a free, neutral and active media. Today media has transformed from print to electronic which poses various challenges for especially to remain unbiased and filtering of fake news and propagandas.

Importance of unbiased media in democracy:

1. Source of information: An unbiased information is important for a democracy and its growth. E.g data on economy, health, education etc must be correct and accurate without any bias toward government.
2. Educate: An unbiased media is important to educate people on issues that are of utmost important for the society. E.g Increasing number of rape cases are threat to society. It is important to report exact number of cases and help in sensitising the society.
3. Awareness: Media should make society aware of their democratic rights and fight the three institutions of democracy.
4. Ensuring Justice: Media plays an important role in ensuring justice and benefitsof the government policies reaching the weaker sections of the society. They act as a chain between the government and the citizens of the country.
5. Watchdog: Mediareporting on public affairs and investigations into wrongdoing in the administration of public affairs is must for a healthy democracy. This includes exposing frauds or corruption cases that personally benefit politicians.
6. Good Governance: Media plays an important role in audit of the government policies and spending. An unbiased media is important for transparent reporting.
7. Accountability: Media ensure accountability of government by exposing bad state of democracy. This lead to questioning of government by the people leading to accountability and answerability .
8. Scientific temper: Media is important for developing a scientific temper in citizens. By informing about various technological advancements it help in developing an rational attitude among people free from social prejudices and bias.

It is irony in the biggest democracy of world that press and media enjoy less freedom. The 2019 World Press Freedom Index rank India at 140 out 180 nations. Media should have enough freedom and must be neutral in airing views. If media is honest and free democracy is bound to function more efficiently.If media is biased, corrupt and favours only a particular party or few individuals, it can prove to be very dangerous for the smooth functioning of democracy.