Here is the class notes from Class 7 NCERT Civics – Chapter 6: Understanding Media

 

 Media

  • Media is the plural form of the word ‘medium’ and it describes the various ways through which we communicate in society.
  • Media refers to all means of communication.
  • Includes: TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, internet, etc.
  • Plays a crucial role in providing information and shaping public opinion.
  • TV, radio and newspapers are a form of media that reaches millions of people, or the masses, across the country and the world and, thus, they are called mass media

 Types of Media

  • Print Media – Newspapers, magazines.
  • Electronic Media – TV, radio, internet.

Media and Technology

  • The technology that mass media uses keeps changing.
  • Newspapers, television and radio can reach millions of people because they use certain technologies.
  • Changing technology, or machines, and making technology more modern, helps media to reach more people.
  • It also changes the ways in which we think about our lives.
  • Television images travel huge distances through satellites and cables.
  • This allows us to view news and entertainment channels from other parts of the world.
  • News can now be spread instantly across the world.

Functions of Media

  • Provides information: News about weather, politics, sports, events, etc.
  • Influences our thoughts: Through news, advertisements, debates.
  • Creates public opinion.
  • Raises awareness on social issues.
  • Entertains through movies, music, shows.

 

Media and Money

  • Media is a business. It needs money for production and distribution.
  • Advertisements are a major source of income.
  • Rich advertisers can sometimes influence the content shown.

Media and Democracy

  • In a democracy, the media plays a very important role in providing news and discussing events taking place in the country and the world.
  • Should be independent and unbiased.
  • Has the responsibility to:
    • Present fair and balanced news.
    • Highlight issues faced by people.
    • Keep the government accountable.

 Media Bias and Censorship

  • Media can be biased – presenting only one side of the story.
  • Censorship: When the government controls or restricts what can be published.
  • Example: During emergency, some news was censored in India.
  • Media’s continual need for money and its links to advertising means that it becomes difficult for media to be reporting against people who give them advertisements.
  • Media is, thus, no longer considered independent because of its close links to business.
  • Besides the above, the media also tends to focus on a particular aspect of a story because they believe this makes the story interesting.

Setting agendas

  • The media also plays an important role in deciding what stories to focus on, and therefore, decides on what is newsworthy.
  • By focusing on particular issues, the media influences our thoughts, feelings and actions, and brings those issues to our attention.
  • Factual information that a news report provides is often not complete and can be one-sided.
  • The media positively helped us focus on an issue that affects our lives and one that we might not even have been aware of it.

Need for a Fair and Independent Media

  • To ensure people get truthful information.
  • Citizens need correct information to make informed decisions.
  • Independent media helps protect democracy and rights.
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