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The merit of the democratic setup is that it gives each individual freedom of expression and space. Article 19 (1) (a) of the Indian Constitution provides the right to freedom of speech and expression although, Article 19 (2) has put reasonable grounds of restrictions like sovereignty and integrity of India, public order, decency of morality, contempt of court and incitement to an offence.
Media is used to make individuals aware of various social, economic and political developments worldwide. Everyone trusts actual and authentic news which strengthens democracy and helps society grow. The spectrum of media has increased from print to digital and accessibility has become quite easy.
In this age where information is widespread, the clarity and ability to distinguish correct information is very important. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the flooding of information by various media outlets magnified fears and caused unnecessary panic and trouble. Malcolm X who was a prominent figure during the civil rights movement said that the media is the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and make the guilty innocent, and that’s power.
According to the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI), India’s rank for the years 2023 and 2024 is 161st and 159th out of 180 countries. Under the regime of the BJP government, the media was almost wiped out and it was the independent YouTubers and content creators who stood up to fill the vacuum to provide and educate the masses on what the truth is all about. Falsifying the numbers in the exit poll and the manipulation of the stock market during the recent general election says it all.
In Nagaland also Media channels and independent YouTubers provide the platform to explain the ground reality on any issue and dispel rumours and confusion. They should continue to take responsibility to unite and integrate the people rather than create divisions. Through media platforms, citizens are sensitised and made aware of their rights and privileges. It has shown the problems, issues, merits and disparity across the length and breadth of Nagaland. To some extent, it acts as checks and balances in the governance of the state and if the ethics are maintained and responsibilities aren’t shifted the State can make huge progress on all fronts.
To conclude, the question is, will the narrative be controlled by a handful of people or the media will help people testify the truth, especially in war-torn countries like Myanmar, Palestine, Ukraine, etc. With the strong opposition, we also expect the media in India to be liberated from the shackles and maintain the sanctity of media of being called The Fourth Pillar of Democracy which was rightly coined by Thomas Carlyle.
Honnyem Konyak
B.A 6th Semester ( History Department)
Modern College, Piphema