The Role of Journalism in Democracy: The Fourth Estate and Beyond
Imagine if I asked you to give me 10,000 rupees and promised to return 15 lakhs (1.5 million) later. Would you agree? If you did, and I turned out to be a Freud, would you have any recourse? What if I was a Hitler-like dictator? What if I was a constitutional dictator who could make your life miserable?
These scenarios underscore a vital truth: we must ensure our voters are informed. Informed not just for our own well-being but for the health and sustainability of our country. How can citizens be informed? History has shown that press bans or restrictions under dictatorships are common to prevent the spread of truth and history. Every ruling party seeks to stay in power by making false promises and misleading the population, but how can citizens know the truth amidst a sea of lies?
The Importance of Informed Citizens in a Democracy
Democracy requires informed citizens because governing bodies cannot operate well without knowledge of the issues they must address. Government by the people mandates that the people must be informed. In a representative democracy, the role of journalism is twofold: to inform citizens and to facilitate a feedback loop between governance and the electorate. Through journalism, the actions of the government are made public, and when voters disapprove of current policies, they have a mechanism to take corrective action in the next election. Without journalism, the government loses accountability to the people. Therefore, journalism is of utmost importance in a representative democracy.
The Challenges of Unbiased Journalism
Unfortunately, the truth in contemporary journalism is often overshadowed by the obsession. Many journalists, whether in the USA or India, prioritize popularity over truth-seeking. They are not unbiased; they are not striving for truth but rather seeking to increase their reach and viewership.
This reality marks an era known as the post-truth era, a term coined by political scientists. In this era, the press has shifted towards being a 'popularity-making machine' rather than the fourth estate of democracy. The fourth estate traditionally represents the press as a check on the government, ensuring it operates within the bounds of transparency and accountability.
Conclusion and Reflection
Every view expressed in this article is a personal reflection and the result of my observations and studies. If any view or statement has unintentionally hurt anyone or misunderstood any sentiments, please accept my apologies. I welcome all suggestions and differing opinions. Let us strive to foster a culture where the press remains a trusted source of truth, holding all forms of government accountable.
Keywords: journalism, fourth estate, democracy, TRP, post-truth era