Public Opinion: Role of Media

Abstract

In a democracy, media's role is not only limited to news presentation but it creates social, economic, and political awareness in the country, particularly in those regions whose audiences don't have adequate knowledge or experience. In contemporary times media has been powerful tool in setting the track for public opinion. Many times it is said to be molder and mirror of public viewpoint. Several types of media the television, press, internet and radio have their penetration at different levels of society. In twenty first century electronic media has been transformed to a great extent and re-energized by internet. It has been found out that different style of media is perceived differently by people. This perception is biased towards the view that print media highlights the current issues in a much better and rational way than other kind of media. Like in context of India, the largest democracy of the world media is taken to be the fourth pillar. It has its presence in foreign policy formation too. Like every other thing, media too has its virtues and vices. Many times media tend to be carried away by reporting more about economic and political changes and ignoring the social aspects. At the same time, it is playing a role of watchdog towards functioning of the government machinery. Often media is criticized for bad business practices like ‘paid news' on one side and ignorance of their social responsibility. It is found out many a times that information presented by media is incomplete which lead to dissipation of public debate that if present can provide the alternate solution to problem. This paper will try to provide few cases in which public view and perception is affected by role of media. Media has a potential to bring about social change in the society and a lot of work has to be done in this direction.