biased media essay upsc

Biased Media is a Real Threat to Indian Democracy | UPSC Mains Essay Preparation PDF Download

Before discussing the issue at hand, it is very important to understand the terms ‘democracy’ and ‘free press/media’ in a practical sense. Democracy is a form of government that provides the right to the citizens of the country to elect their representatives. In such a system, the final decision-making authority remains with the elected government. It is for the welfare of the citizens of a country that any and every law is made. Thus it is a fundamental right of the people to be well informed of all that is happening within the government and around the nation. This is where the role of independent media comes to the fore, wherein the people get access to the latest information and updates related to important matters through different media channels. Media plays a vital role in every single country and is perhaps the most effective way of communicating a message to the masses. Without media, no one would really know what is going on in the country or worldwide. However, the mere presence of media isn’t enough. It needs to be independent of any outside influence, including that of the government. That is what makes it a free press/media. For the citizens to make informed decisions, there must be complete transparency on the part of the government as well as the media. A biased media, on the other hand, could pose a real threat to democracy. Media is said to be biased when the media houses have some vested interests, and the news being reported by them are not offered from an independent perspective. The problem of biased media is affecting some of the biggest democracies in the world, and it is an issue in India as well.

Indian Media

India is regarded as the largest democracy globally, and it is a matter of great pride for the people of the country. But that label in itself does not suffice. It is so very necessary to maintain that status, and the media plays a huge role in determining just how democratic a nation in reality is. In recent years, Indian media is losing its independent status with increased government and corporate involvement in what the media broadcasts and how it has become increasingly difficult to believe any news as being authentic. Media has become a means for the government and other groups with vested interests to portray a certain image, regardless of whether that is genuine. It has become a means to exaggerate many incidents, either to their own benefit or to the disadvantage of the opposition or any dissenting parties. Media has become the perfect way to mislead the general population and influence their opinions in the direction of the party or government in power. Issues like these make the citizens doubt the accountability of the press, and that is a major obstacle in the way of India becoming a great democracy.

Problems Associated with Biased Media

Here are some ways in which biased media can adversely affect the democratic nature of a country like India:

• Can influence public opinion: While not every single person is likely to believe everything they see or read, it is, however, true that a majority of people do. The media plays a key role in shaping opinions on a wide variety of issues. For example, if it blames a certain section of the society for a serious incident, it could lead to animosity towards and perhaps even alienation of that group. The media is more often than not used to marginalize, target or victimize certain groups since the masses are quite gullible.
• Mislead the public: Misuse of media is a dangerous way to mislead the citizens of a nation. Through the circulation of fake news, it could have the masses believing something far from the truth. For instance, by providing fake updates on a public project, the government could easily garner praise when, in fact, the project is nowhere near where it’s described.
• Can affect the country’s political future: By projecting a positive image of itself, by constantly presenting each development as a massive one, by appealing to a certain group, etc., all through the means of mass media, the government can gather a large number of supporters who are likely to vote for them in the future, thus ensuring that their political reign continues. Using the media to their advantage, the government can very easily ensure that things keep going smoothly in their desired direction.       
• Can cause confusion and panic: By exaggerating the severity of a situation or not giving adequate attention to a problem, the media can cause serious problems. It can lead to protests, riots, violence, or the spread of more fake news, which will again cause a lot of confusion and panic among citizens.

How to Tackle the Issue of a Biased Media

Just because a major political party or the government is pulling the strings of the country’s media, all is not over. Citizens are responsible for ensuring that the country remains a democracy where everyone has an equal right to speak and express opinions without fear of prosecution. Here are some ways to minimize the effects of biased media, especially in a country like India:

• Questioning everything: With the way the media no longer portrays an incident without depicting a certain point of view, it is necessary to not take anything at face value. The best way to avoid being caught up in the web of fake or biased news is to look at the incident from all angles before concluding. It would be stupid to believe everything being shown without questioning it with a pair of impartial eyes.
• Collecting all the facts: It is crucial to have all the details to know what it is all about. It is best not to form an opinion on the said issue with minimum information since it could lead to misconceptions and confusion. Using various forms of mass media, one can easily gather more facts.
• Being open to diverse opinions: What makes India democracy is its importance to accommodating many diverging opinions. It is important to be open to differing views to gain perspective and better knowledge about an issue. Being open to criticism and debate will create a conducive environment for more information to spread.
• Be aware of vested interests: Though one can only see what the government or media wishes to show, it is necessary to read between the lines and follow up with new developments to be aware of where they stand. This will serve as the base for future comparisons and opinion formation.

The important and powerful role that independent media can play in the nation's progress cannot be overstated. By highlighting the major issues facing the country, fixing the accountability, offering an open platform for dissenting views, and suggesting available solutions, media can ensure the strengthening of the democratic fabric of the country. It is, therefore, important for all the citizens of the country to work towards ensuring an independent media which is free from all types of biases.

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Biased Media is a real threat to Indian Democracy..

JOURNALISM.., the tool by which a common man knows about the global society. In other words, it is an extent of knowledge. The Transparent medium has now become one way mirror. The lack of originality and spam of unwanted content in media created mistrustfulness over that. The sharing of fake news without analysing by us in social platforms and the content which stimulates violence, are even shared in social platform where the journalism’s role is much lesser is also a threat to democracy. Let us discuss about what created this and what it leads to? ...

How spam threat to democracy?

The need to telecast 24/7 news has put pressure over the media. The fresh content is not readily available whole day. Thus they moved to cover even the unwanted regional and sensational news. The lack of time failed to analyse the originality of content and its effects in society. Caste related issues and mob lynching are some examples. This is perfectly used by some politicians and powerful people; they use it as a screen and do some large activities on the background without the knowledge of media. Thus the spam and sensational content turned the way of coverage and finally blocks the knowledge over that content.

TRP – An enemy behind

Competitiveness in real world kills the democracy. A fair example is from 2012 Delhi Gang Rape case. The competition among the channels had made them to release the identity of the victim and kills her more and more. And also in case of Wing.Cdr.Abhinanthan case. Since it is a rating and totally depends on views, much sensational and unwanted information are leaking and released in social platform. Hence form an imbalance in the society.

Freedom of press – unwanted at certain

The blockage of two news channels by the GOI over the coverage of ammunition stockpiled in pathankot airbase during the attack is a perfect example for the misuse of freedom of press. According to experts, it is better to keep secret of defence related information, because it may challenge the security of country. Hence freedom of press should be limited at certain cases.

Sensation collapses democracy

Covering of news or specifying symbolically or through other representation of caste, religion and other separatist movement is unfair. Because during telecast it may have lot of chances to support or justify over one-side and left the rest. And also a situation like mob lynching needs not to be spread, because it can increase the tension. It should only be taken to the eyes of the government. Ex: Anti-sikh riot 1984, killing of innocent people by misunderstanding them as kidnapers in India last year, violence on Tamil nadu -Karnataka people during kaveri river water dispute, etc... are some examples.

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BIASED MEDIA: A THREAT TO INDIAN DEMOCRACY

• Subject-wise Law Notes
• March 30, 2020

In the mass media era, the role of the media was universally regarded as fundamental to the proper functioning of the democratic state: the media’s capacity to provide information freely to all citizens ensured they had equal access to the democratic process. Media is being considered as the fourth pillar of democracy . It is easy to demonstrate how the flow of information could be manipulated and the power of the media abused. The modern era seems to be the of a media . In this world of technology we often come through fake news, hate speech, revenge porn and so on. In this article, I want to discuss some aspects of what we have got from the digital mediums so far, with a particular focus on the changing relationship between the media and democracy – and within that, the role of news, information and the practice of journalism. Media is being considered as “Silent revolution” in 21st century.

I INTRODUCTION

“Just because something is not a lie does not mean that it is not deceptive . A liar knows that he is a liar, but one who speaks mere portions of truth in order to deceive is a craftsman of destruction.”

– Criss Jami

Media has played a significant role in establishing democracy throughout the world including India. Since 18th century the media has been instrumental in generating awareness and in spreading knowledge across the masses especially in the American Independence movement and the French Revolution . Media did the same work for India also . Media has played a very critical role even in colonial India. Media is like an eye of an eagle which keeps an eye on the activities of a state.

In our Independence media did the same work. The fallacies of British ruled government being good for the growth and development of colonial India were shattered by means of the media. Media has proved to be the sole source of information for our citizens (i.e. our Indian brothers) of colonial India to become aware of the arbitrariness and brutality of the British Colonial rule. Media played very significant role in communicating the non- humanitarian acts to the people of India. Media is considered as the fourth pillar of democracy along with Executive , legislation and Judiciary and rightly so.[1]Media was not only used after independence but before independence also. From pre- independence India where Mahatma Gandhi used journals “ Young India” and “Harijan” to communicate is message to the people of his country and also to organize National Movement in the country at the wider level. But today we use different/ newer method/media like social media.

II WHAT DOES DEMOCRACY MEAN ?

The world democracy has been conveniently interpreted as the right to vote. In a study , Ober has analysed the word “Democracy”. The origin of the word democracy is Greek word ,a combination of Demos (the people) and kratos (power), thus meaning “the power of the people” which, in turn , means “majority rule” by the people or their elected representatives. It is generally construed as the power to vote and elect a government.

However, Ober ( 2008) discuss how the word democracy actually means “capacity to do things” and not just “majority rule” . It is the power to be able to participate in the democratic process of a country , and not just power to vote a popular government to power. In democracy, every citizen has a right to freedom of expression. This also means that one can express in without the fear of any repercussion and without the fear of authority, and that the citizen and the authority are on an equal platform during the changes.[2] In short, in a democracy all citizens have equal right to voice their concerns, and to speak their mind.

In the recent elections 2019 Lok Sabha election it is apt to say that although role of media has undergone massive changes it still remains a critical pillar in the Indian democratic system . Media has played its very important role very well. However, it is necessary for the progression of media it is necessary that media of that should be free from any constraint and ill-pressure. However, the Independence of this crucial fourth pillar has often been threatened which has led to the doubts about its reliability and authenticity. Press censorship during the 1975 National Emergency to the more recent shutdown of a news channel during reporting of the 2016 Pathankot attack and Pulwama attack show restricted press freedom , with NGO reporters without borders ranking .

India has been ranked 140 and its abuses score is 65.25 as compared to the 2018 which has decreased to -2 in World press freedom index . Index indicating the same the World Press Freedom Index takes into account factors like pluralism , self-censorship, media independence, transparency, violence against journalists and media persons. India is being criticized in world for its sensationalism and manipulation of the fact by selective portrayal of the audiences like mostly news is presented to the masses by concealing facts.

Social media has added to the Fire of Sensationalism. With the urgent need to know the information and dispense it amongst the masses first has often led to mis-reporting of fake news resulting in controversies and defamation in some cases. For example GPS chip in 500 and 2000 Rs. notes after demonetisation.

In common parlance social media is seen synonymous with Facebook , Twitter, WhatsApp, LinkedIn etc. However, social media goes beyond this and has a broader scope. It is an umbrella term that refers to various websites in application that enables users to create share content, interact and to participate in social networking and to put out their views on the social networking. Social media has been often described as a “Silent Revolution” of the “21st century”. Movements initiated from these platforms like – #MetooMovement , #BlackLivematters and various schemes of the Government of India also have been launched from these platforms and are communicated to the masses.

United Nations has made internet access a human right. Recently Supreme Court has declared right to Internet access as a Fundamental right of every Indian . It is said that social media is a light arm of anarchy, because it can be used as a measure to disturb the tranquility of any Nation and to a very extent this is true it affects the peace of a nation . Social media is being used by terror organisations like ISIS to fulfil their agenda and disturb the political and economic stability of the country as this affects very badly. Social media is being used by Isis to promote religious fundamentalism and favouritism in the country.[3]

Recently last year a scene of Bhojpuri was circulated in West Bengal which led to communal rights in society and polarisation of society . Social media is also used for spreading fake news deliberately so that a particular segment of people can benefit from that joke, rumours . For example few years back a news spread that there was lynching of north eastern people in Bangalore which resulted in mass Exodus from the Bangalore of north eastern people . Another rumour spread that there were some people who slaughtered cow and the public in fit of Rage of anger they lynched the people. Another incident that took place in up that there were some people abducting children. This rumour spreaded so fast that people without any reason targeted some people and burst their anger on another people .

Every political party use media selflessly to promote their policies agenda and illiciting support for their campaign. Social media also become a platform to glorify political leaders prior to elections. With no proper regulatory Framework in place for social media, this avenue is often violated to spread fake news , a tool for propaganda as well as foreign interference in domestic election. Social media sometime prove to be adda of some religious people as they are staunch followers of some particular group because of these views violence in society is there .[4]

Last year a guy in Mumbai try to resorted to suicide because he was threatened by people of religious Organisation own his views on a religious topic. If media can create a war between two parties it can create peace also . Indian government’s external affairs ministry did a tremendous job in providing relief to foreign citizens of the India. Another example is Delhi Metro which uses its Twitter handle to inform the open and closure of gates. Social media became the voice of voiceless people of the society .

Movements like #Metoomovement started which allowed the women to come and file a case against a sexual harassment at workplace. Jon Ranson has said that it has given voice to the voiceless people. Personalities like Nana Patekar ,director Harvey Weinstein and various personalities were there which were caught in this . Social media has played an important role in economic front social media is being used on all interfaces for the promotion in their products . Social media is a medium to raise a voice against government policies and social evils prevailing in a society . Now there has emerged a fifth pillar of a democracy i.e. Social Media.

Social media has become means of free speech and expression guaranteed under the article 19 of Indian constitution this can be manifested from the Supreme Court decision on right to internet as a fundamental right. Social media is proliferating a very good ideas and effecting both positively and negatively there is a need to regulate it . Government should come up with a legislation to regulate social media. Just like a car without the handle is of no use same is with these platforms if they are contolled they can prove to be very dangerous in future. There is need to focus on privacy front as well so that the data cannot be used as a threat to personal and national security. Awareness and awakening about use of social media in need to be increased specially among the youth so that they can maximize on positive front of social media and minimise its ill effect . Indeed social media is a double edged sword if not handled with care might cause harm to you badly . It has transformed the way thinking . it has led to violation of privacy, fake news .

In US where democracy is said to be started has also been in news due to its scandal in election.[5] The Cambridge Analytica scandal where in Facebook data was stolen and has been used to influence the people behaviour towards their respective candidates . Social media’s gruesome face has been seen in the US 2016 elections.[6] Media bias varies in its form sensationalism to story selection and placement as well as omission and selection of content while portraying a story. Often holistic view is deleted and biased extreme lables are promoted to define groups and politicians.[7]

Moreover a recent research project called Media Ownership Monitor carried out in India by reporters without borders and data leads has found excessive political control over media. And the news over which political parties have their influence loses its credibility . News reported within person’s pressure not only loses its credibility but also its authenticity.[8] Like it may not be suitable take a name of a news channel but there are various channels which are owned by the members of the party in power then how can we expect that the news provided by the channels will be given in an impartial manner and will be giving authentic matter. The gradual crippling of democracy is also evident from the concentration of media content in a few hands like 76% of Indians use social media and radio is also owned by the state so it is monopolised. Amartya Sen sees the media as a watchdog not just against corruption but also against disaster. He said “There has never been a famine in a functioning multiparty democracy .A free press and the practice of democracy contribute greatly to bringing out information that can have an enormous impact on policies for famine prevention a free press and an active political opposition constitute the best early-warning system a country threatened by famine could have .[9]

The key issue is the lack of proper regulation of media in India and toothless nature of the Press Council of India. The lack of regulation has increased cross holding and corporate and political lobbying and ownership. The increasing rate for TRP to get advertising revenues had further led to more sensationalized news with minimal forces on development like social welfare government schemes and awareness of the general masses with the rise of social media .

Urgent reforms are need of the hour to revamp the outdated regulation for media in India. When Press Council of India was formed in 1978, media only comprised of newspaper, journals, magazines and TV channels . With increase of internet social media platforms are at its peak so they must also be regulated within the same ambit . The Tamil Nadu government has initiated steps in this regard for social media accountability by proposing to link Aadhaar with social media accounts. Anti-nationalist use media for the radicalisation of the youth and it targets the miserable sections of the society for the polarization of the politics also being promoted by the media while also encouraging hero worship tendencies. The era where media was considered as a guardian of a country and constitution .

Keeping a check on the government and encouraging substantial debate among the masses on critical national issues to participate in democracy is starting fade away. The aforementioned quote by the states that selective truths can lead to weapon of destruction. In the same manner you must look at creating genuinely Independent and transparent system for the media and ensure ownership restricting in cross holding .The Leveson Committee Department of 2012 of UK can be a great static point to adapt into the Indian context ensuring right to free speech in press while curtailing exploitation and misuse of the same . As Victor Hugo said, “No power can on earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” Today this power is social media.

[1] https://opentextbc.ca/mediastudies101/chapter/media-and-democracy/

[2] Dr. K. John Babu, Media and Human rights

[3] Andrew Dewdney and Peter Ride, The new media handbook , London And New York, Taylors and Francis Group

[4] Silvio Waisbord , Media Sociology, Jaipur, Rawat Publications.

[5] https://democracy-reporting.org/country/social-media-and-democracy

[6] https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/11319/media-democracy-and-governance

[7] https://legaldesire.com/role-of-media-in-democracy/

[8] https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/1/22/18177076/social-media-facebook-far-right-authoritarian-populism

[9] https://legaldesire.com/role-of-media-in-democracy/

Author Details: Rakesh Kumar is a student at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University , Lucknow.

The views of the Author are personal only.

(Source: Juscholars Journal, Volume 1, Issue 3)

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Media Ethics

Media ethics concerns moral issues in journalism, news media, film, television and entertainment. It examines how to apply ethical principles like honesty, accuracy, impartiality, fairness, harm avoidance, and privacy in these domains. Key issues include:

• Truth and accuracy: The media has a duty to report news truthfully and factually. Inaccurate or false reporting violates public trust and can cause harm. Anonymous or unverified sources should be avoided. Opinions/analysis should be backed by evidence and clearly distinguished from news.
• Impartiality and fairness: The media should present issues and viewpoints without bias or distortion. Represent multiple sides fairly when covering controversial topics. Avoid conflicts of interest and preferential treatment. Criticism of public figures should be proportional and relevant to their role.
• Privacy vs public interest: The media must balance an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy with the public’s right to information that significantly impacts them. Public figures have a lower expectation of privacy, but media should avoid excessively prying into people’s private lives when it’s not clearly relevant.
• Harm and offense: The media should avoid inciting discrimination, violence or illegal activities. While free speech is crucial, it needs to be balanced with harms of hate speech and radicalization. Graphic or offensive content requires warnings to allow audience choice. Reporting on threats could encourage copycats.
• Consent and deception: In general, the media should not report on individuals or record/photograph them without consent. Undercover investigation and deception may be justified to expose wrongdoing or dangers, but other reporting should be transparent. Stakeholders should be given a chance to respond.
• Commercial pressure vs integrity: Commercial and business interests of media companies should not undermine journalistic ethics. “Clickbait” and sensationalism distort reporting of serious issues. While profitability matters, it should not be the primary goal. Maintaining independence and integrity is key.

Ethics of Journalism

• Journalists cannot always guarantee ‘truth’ but getting the facts right is the cardinal principle of journalism.
• Journalists should always strive for accuracy, give all relevant facts and ensure that they have been checked.
• Journalists must be independent voices; they should not act, formally or informally, on behalf of special interests whether political, corporate or cultural.
• They should declare to their editors – or directly to the audience – any relevant information about political affiliations, financial arrangements or other personal connections that might constitute a conflict of interest.
• Most stories have at least two sides. While there is no obligation to present every side in every piece, the stories produced by journalists should strive for balance and provide context.
• Objectivity is not always possible and may not always be desirable (in the face, for example, of clear and undeniable brutality or inhumanity), but impartial reporting builds trust and confidence.
• Journalists should do no harm. They should show sensitivity and care in their work recognising that what they publish, or broadcast may be hurtful.
• It is not possible to report freely and in the public interest without occasionally causing hurt and offence, but journalists should always be aware of the impact of words and images on the lives of others. This is particularly important when reporting on minorities, children, the victims of violence, and vulnerable people.
• A key principle of responsible journalism is the ability to be accountable.
• Journalists should always be open and transparent in their work except in the most extraordinary of circumstances. When they make mistakes, they must correct them, and expressions of regret must be sincere. They listen to their audience and provide remedies to those dealt with unfairly.

Philosophers like Peter Singer argue media ethics requires impartial reasoning and reflection on consequences – considering harms and benefits of reporting on vulnerable groups, privacy, free speech; balancing multiple principles. Issues often depend heavily on context, so rules provide general guidance but judgment is required in each case.

The Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards laid down by NBA for violation of which a complaint may be made, include the following principles:

• Ensure impartiality and objectivity in reporting
• Ensure neutrality
• Ensure that when reporting on crime, that crime and violence are not glorified
• Ensure utmost discretion while reporting on violence and crime against women and children
• Abhor sex and nudity
• Ensure privacy
• Ensure that national security is not endangered
• Refraining from advocating or encouraging superstition and occultism
• Ensure responsible sting operations

TRP and Media ethics

• Television rating point: TRP stands for Television Rating Point. It is the tool that tells us which channel and the program are viewed most or it indicates the popularity of a TV channel or a program. It shows how many times people are watching a channel or a particular program.

“The duty of journalists is, to tell the truth. Journalism means you go back to actual facts, you look at the documents, you discover what the record is, you report it that way. “ – Noam Chomsky

Ethical Issues Related to TRP

• Race for TRP is sensationalizing news reporting.
• Sensationalism aims at maximising viewership and earning profit. This makes news reporting vulnerable to manipulation.
• Objectivity in presenting the news is extremely important to fulfil the ‘right to information’ of people. People have right to get information in the authentic, unbiased form. 
• Hence, it is important to maintain the ‘integrity of the process’ of news collection and broadcast.
• The government’s advertising expenditure depends on the TRP system, and public spending should not be based on flawed data.
• TRP system compromise the impartial news selection. Issues of vulnerable, poor and marginal section of our society gets side lined.
• Race for TRP also forces news channel to show unscientific, unverified information that compromise on the larger role of media to develop value laden society,   

Targeting TRP in journalism is destroying professional journalism and citizen-centric journalism. Reporting is being displaced by Agenda Setting Theory. Noise is replacing information dissemination. This reminds us of what Noam Chomsky one asked, “ How it is we have so much information but know so little?”

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Freedom of Media

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For Prelims: Editors Guild of India, Press Council of India (PCI), World Press Freedom Index (WPFI).

For Mains: Freedom of Media & Democracy, Paid News, Biased Media, Fourth Pillar of Democracy

Why in News

Recently, the Editors Guild of India has expressed anguish over the shutting down of the Kashmir Press Club . It held that the shutting down of the Club sets a dangerous precedent for media freedom.

• The Editors Guild was founded in 1978 with the twin objectives of protecting press freedom and raising the standards of editorial leadership of newspapers and magazines.
• A free press can inform citizens of their leaders’ successes or failures.
• It conveys the people’s needs and desires to government bodies, making informed decisions and strengthening society as a result.
• It promotes open discussion of ideas that allows individuals to fully participate in political life.
• Making Government Accountable: Free Media makes people question the decisions of the government and make it accountable.
• Thus, free media is critical in a democracy.
• Fourth Pillar of Democracy: Due to these attributes, the Media can be rightly considered as the fourth pillar of democracy, the other three being legislature, executive and judiciary.
• Fake News: The government’s pressure in the name of regulations, the bombardment of fake news and the influence of social media is dangerous for the occupation.
• Paid News: Corruption-paid news, advertorials and fake news are threats to free and unbiased media.
• Hate speech shared and amplified on social networks are targeted against journalists using social media.
• Reports such as ‘Freedom in the World 2021 (Freedom House, US)’, ‘2020 Human Rights Report (US State Department)’, ‘ Autocratisation Goes Viral (V-Dem Institute, Sweden)’ have all highlighted intimidation of journalists in India.
• Biased Media : Corporate and political power has overwhelmed large sections of the media, both print and visual, which lead to vested interests and destroy freedom.
• Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras, 1950 : The Supreme Court in Romesh Thappar v. the State of Madras observed that freedom of the press lay at the foundation of all democratic organisations.
• Fundamental Right Under Article 19: The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 , which deals with ‘Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.
• However, Freedom of the press is also not absolute.
• Sovereignty and integrity of India,
• Security of the State,
• Friendly relations with foreign States,
• Public order, decency or morality or in
• Contempt of court,
• Incitement to an offence.
• It is a regulatory body established under the Press Council of India Act of 1978.
• It aims to preserve the freedom of the press and maintain and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India.
• The Paris based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) publishes annually a World Press Freedom Index (WPFI).
• India has been ranked at 142 nd out of 180 countries in World Press Freedom Index, 2021.

Way Forward

• Statutory status should be given to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) which represents the private television news and current affairs broadcasters.
• Public education,
• Strengthening of regulations
• Effort of tech companies to make suitable algorithms for news curation.
• Adherence to Media Ethics: It is important that the media stick to the core principles like truth and accuracy, transparency, independence, fairness and impartiality, responsibility and fair play.

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Media Ethics

• Last Updated : 20-Jan-2023

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Quotes on Media

• “Whoever controls the media, controls the mind”  ― Jim Morrison
• The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers. ~ Thomas Jefferson

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UPSC Sansad TV: AIR- Ways to Tackle Drug Abuse

Introduction.

Drug abuse is a global issue affecting individuals, families, and societies. It poses severe health risks, fuels criminal activities, and undermines economic and social stability. Tackling drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach addressing root causes, providing support for recovery, and implementing prevention strategies.

Education and Awareness

• Implement comprehensive drug education programs in schools to provide factual information on the effects of drugs and teach skills for resisting peer pressure.
• Utilize media platforms for public awareness campaigns to disseminate information about the risks of drug abuse, using celebrity endorsements and testimonials from former addicts.
• Engage in community outreach programs to educate parents and guardians about the signs of drug abuse and how to support their children.

Policy Measures

• Enforce strict regulations on the production, distribution, and sale of drugs, including stringent prescription guidelines for painkillers.
• Equip law enforcement agencies to effectively tackle drug trafficking.
• Consider decriminalization of certain substances with a focus on treatment rather than punishment, as seen in Portugal’s successful approach.
• Strengthen international cooperation to combat cross-border drug trafficking through shared intelligence and joint operations.

Community Involvement

• Engage local organizations to provide support systems through recreational activities, counseling services, and educational workshops.
• Foster open communication and a supportive home environment, with parents and guardians playing a crucial role.
• Participate in community-based prevention programs to strengthen family ties and provide a network of support.
• Encourage community leaders and influencers to advocate against drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyles.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

• Develop comprehensive treatment programs offering medical, psychological, and social support, including detoxification, behavioral therapy, and counseling.
• Ensure treatment services are accessible and affordable through collaboration between governments and NGOs.
• Provide post-treatment support to prevent relapse, including follow-up counseling, support groups, and job training programs.
• Implement personalized treatment plans that consider the individual’s unique circumstances and needs.

Harm Reduction Strategies

• Implement needle exchange programs to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
• Establish supervised injection sites to provide a safe environment for drug use, reduce the risk of overdose, and connect users with support services.
• Adopt a pragmatic approach to harm reduction, recognizing that reducing harm is a practical solution while providing a bridge to treatment and recovery.
• Distribute naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses and train individuals on its use.

Social Support Systems

• Strengthen social support systems to assist individuals recovering from drug abuse in rebuilding their lives.
• Provide access to housing, education, and employment opportunities for recovering addicts.
• Promote social inclusion and reduce stigma associated with drug abuse and addiction.
• Establish peer support networks where individuals can share their experiences and provide mutual support.

Mental Health Services

• Integrate mental health services with drug abuse treatment to address underlying psychological issues.
• Increase access to mental health care to prevent individuals from turning to drugs as a coping mechanism.
• Train healthcare professionals to recognize and treat co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma to encourage individuals to seek help.

Research and Data Collection

• Conduct ongoing research to understand the patterns and causes of drug abuse.
• Use data to develop evidence-based policies and interventions.
• Monitor the effectiveness of drug abuse prevention and treatment programs to ensure continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with academic institutions and research organizations to stay informed about new developments and best practices.

Way Forward

• Sustain efforts and collaboration across various sectors, including governments, healthcare providers, educational institutions, law enforcement, and communities.
• Use research and data collection to inform policy decisions and ensure effective interventions.
• Invest in mental health services to address underlying mental health issues, a root cause of drug abuse.
• Enhance international cooperation to tackle global drug trafficking, sharing intelligence, resources, and best practices.
• Drug abuse demands a multifaceted response.
• Through education, policy measures, community involvement, treatment and rehabilitation programs, harm reduction strategies, social support systems, mental health services, and research and data collection, significant strides can be made in tackling the problem.
• A holistic approach addressing root causes, providing support for recovery, and focusing on prevention can reduce the prevalence of drug abuse.
• Working together can create healthier, safer communities and offer hope to those affected by drug addiction

Sansad TV : Ways to Tackle Drug Abuse [PDF]

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