Important Questions Class 7 Social Science Social and Political Life Chapter 6

Important Questions Class 7 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 6

Political scientists emphasise political systems, including how the environment influences the system, inputs, the institutions that make decisions with legal force, and system outputs. The sixth chapter of Class 7 Social Science and Political Life is Understanding Media. The term “media”  basically refers to the various electronic, print media and host of other communication channels such as   TV news, music, movies, newspapers, magazines , advertising, and other forms of communication  reaching the general public. Students will discover what independent media is in this chapter, as well as how important a part the media plays in establishing agendas. Chapter 6 Class 7 Social Science and Political Life Important Questions help students understand the entire chapter. Students can access all this and more on the Extramarks website. 

The Social science faculty of Extramarks has recently come up with the  Social Science and Political Life Class 7 Chapter 6 Important Questions for each chapter. These important questions will prove to be very fruitful for the students. Extramarks specialists have developed Class 7 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 6 Important Questions using NCERT Textbook, other reference books, past years’ questions  papers, and other sources.  Social Science Experts have compiled a list of step-by-step solutions to assist students in understanding each chapter. Students can register with Extramarks and access Important Questions Class 7 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 6.

 One of the top e-learning platforms in India, Extramarks has earned the trust of millions of primary and secondary school students. The credibility of Extramarks lies in providing the best study material to students through its own repository of resourcesAlong with Important Questions Class 7 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 6, students can easily access materials like NCERT Solutions, CBSE revision notes, past years’ question papers, NCERT books, and more on the Extramarks website.

Important Questions Class 7 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 6- with Solutions

The Social Science faculty of Extramarks has produced an entire list of Important Questions Class 7 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 6 from different sources. The communication channels through which the general population receives news either through electronic, print or social media such as whatsapp, twitter, music, movies, education, advertising, and other information are referred to as “media.” In this chapter, students will learn what independent media is and how crucial a role the media plays in setting agendas. These questions and solutions help students better Understand Media.

 

Mentioned below are a few Important Questions Class 7 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 6 with  their solutions:

 

Question 1. You read about the ways in which the media’ sets the agenda’. What kind of effect does this have in a democracy? Provide two examples to support your point of view.

Answer 1. In a democracy, the  media shapes and sways public opinion. It can sway public opinion in favour or against any cause. However, the situation appears to have altered since it now appears to be swaying public opinion in favour of the highest bidder or the people in authority. In its efforts to increase viewers and revenue, it has completely lost the neutrality that it was supposed to represent.

One example is when your school celebrates its annual day, but there is no media attention since no well-known individual is in attendance. As a result, it draws the attention to the media’s bias.

The recent instance of the media learning about pesticide levels found in cola drinks can be seen as a good example  of this. They made the public aware of the need to monitor the quality of these cola drinks as per the international quality and the safety standards by publishing studies that showed a high level of pesticides. This was done despite the authorities openly stating that the cola drinks were safe to consume. After widespread criticism, the government issued a public retraction and mandated an investigation into the beverage’s quality standards.

 

Question 2. What affects us when we watch TV, and what can we do with it?

Answer 2. TV is frequently on in many of our homes. In many respects, what we watch  on TV acts as a “window on the world,” shaping many of our perceptions of the world around us. It offers us a skewed perspective of the world. While watching our favourite shows, we should always keep abreast of the latest news updates of national and international news. . Despite the cacophony of noise from electronic media and the busy schedule, it is crucial to know what’s happening around the world , be informed and act as responsible citizens. Critiquing and scrutinising the information besides understanding the underlying theme, be active participants in the functioning of the government.

 

Question 3. In what way does the media play an important role in a democracy?

Answer 3. Because it reports on and analyses events happening domestically and abroad, the media is crucial to democracy. Additionally, it serves as a monitor over how the government is functioning and keeps a check on it   by:

  • The government’s controversial policies and initiatives are criticised.
  • Bringing attention to and maybe even swaying public opinion.
  • Recognising several current issues and problems.
  • Raising people’s awareness among the people that need attention and drawing attention of the government. .

One of the examples of how the media has helped to bring awareness about societal and environment issues is about the coverage of a report that highlighted the factories that are polluting the environment with their operations. Both the public and government get sensitised through these coverages and jointly work towards these issues.

 

Question 4. How did the idea of local media come about?

Answer 4. Media coverage of small local concerns affecting common people and their everyday lives is impossible. Therefore,  the idea of local media  came into being. Many neighbourhood organisations have stepped up and launched their media. For instance, community radio informs farmers of the current pricing of various crops. Farmers are advised on how to utilise fertilisers and crops most effectively through the local media. With the help of video cameras, several local organisations produce documentaries that expose the suffering and problems that underprivileged communities in our area endure.

 

Question 5. Can you give this diagram a title? What do you understand about the link between media and big business from this diagram?

Answer 5. The diagram’s caption may read “Corporate Controlled Media.” In the figure, we can see two interesting things:

  • Businesses market their products through various media, including newspapers, television, and radio. These advertisements influence readers or viewers to buy products. As a result, huge firms get a return on their advertising investment through increased sales. Additionally, it suggests that product promotion drives up the cost of the items.
  • Large corporations own TV stations, magazines, and other media channels. They advertise their products widely and try to get people to buy them. There is a significant possibility of false reporting on their products because corporate giants own the media outlets. As a result, customers could make bad purchase decisions.

 

Question 6. Write a brief description of local media.

Answer 6. Following is the description of local media:

  • Most major media outlets aren’t interested in writing on “minor” topics that affect regular people and their everyday lives.
  • Many neighbourhood organisations have  stepped in  to launch their media channel.
  • Several individuals advise farmers on using seeds and fertilisers and inform them about  crop prices via community radio.
  • With relatively inexpensive and easily accessible video cameras, others produce documentaries about the realities of underprivileged neighbourhoods.
  • In the Chitrakoot area of Uttar Pradesh, eight Dalit women publish a bimonthly magazine named Khabar Lahriya.
  • This eight-page newspaper, written in the regional language “Bundeli,” covers Dalit concerns, incidents of violence against women, and governmental corruption.
  • These media are known as local media. The media highlight the government’s operations.
  • It “sets the agenda” in this manner.
  • The government will occasionally restrict content to publish what it wants.

 

Question 7. Give examples of times when the media has neglected to pay attention to matters that are important to us.

Answer 7. The following are a few examples:

  • There are various times when the media fails to focus on subjects which are vital and may require attention..
  • The nation’s biggest issue is access to clean drinking water.
  • Numerous individuals fall sick  each year due to a shortage of clean drinking water.
  • This topic is hardly emphasised in the media.
  • The media concentrates on topics like fashion week because it makes good money and publicity.
  • However, it did not mention Mumbai’s slums being demolished because the residents didn’t pay.
  • The media plays a significant role in our lives as citizens of democracy because it draws attention to the most pressing concerns.

 

Question 8. What factors support the claim that the media is not independent?

Answer 8. Due to several factors, the media is far from being independent.

The media is under the jurisdiction of the government:

  • Scenes from movies or songs are not shared with the public due to censoring news items.
  • The government banned the media from 1975 to 1977 during an emergency.
  • The government censors movies, but it doesn’t truly regulate news coverage in the media.
  • Despite the lack of news filtering, most publications cannot present a fair account.

This is a result of commercial organisations’ dominance over the media:

  • News is distributed based on the interests of the corporate entities.
  • The funding for media comes from adverts.
  • They find it challenging to file complaints against those who distribute adverts.
  • As a result of these connections, the media is not independent.

Need for assistance with a problem:

  • To make a narrative fascinating, the media frequently focuses on a certain aspect.
  • Additionally, they emphasise one side of the narrative if they seek public support.

 

Question 9. Describe the connection between technology and the media.

Answer 9. Media and technological connection:

  • Today, it is hard for us to envision a world without the media.
  • The widespread usage of the Internet and cable television is a recent development.
  • The technology used by the media is always evolving.
  • Many individuals can access newspapers, television, and radio thanks to a particular technology.
  • Also included in the print media are newspapers and periodicals.
  • The word “electronic media” refers to radio and television.
  • Newspapers are referred to as print media since they publish news.
  • Media are referred to as print media  technologies.
  • The technology that mass media use has evolved over time and is still evolving now.

 

Question 10. What exactly is a balanced report?

Answer 10. A balanced report is:

  • We would only be aware of one side of the story if we read one of the two newspapers.
  • Based on the News of India article, we describe the demonstrators as a nuisance.
  • On the other side, the article in the India Daily informs us that the demonstrations are taking place because poor relocation attempts would result in the loss of many livelihoods.
  • Both of these pieces lack objectivity and balance. A balanced report presents all sides of a given subject and allows the readers to form their own opinion without being biassed.

In the above section of Important Questions Class 7 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 6, all the essential topics of the chapter are covered.

 

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Q.1 What are the reasons that prevent the media from being independent?

Ans

The factors that prevent media from being independent are: i) The first is the control that the government has on media. When the government prevents a news item, or scenes from a movie, or the lyrics of a song, from being shared with the larger public,it is censorship. ii) The second reason is that the media also wants to focus on a particular aspect of a story, because they believe that this will make the story interesting and attract the attention of the masses. (iii) Also media faces pressure from the business houses. It is in the interest of these businesses to focus on only one side of he story to keep a clean public image.

Q.2 What is media?

Ans

Media refers to the different channels we use to communicate information in our daily lives. Media is the plural form of the word ‘medium’. The word collectively refers to the radio, TV, newspapers, internet and several other forms of communication.

Q.3 What impact does the changing technology have on media and the minds of people?

Ans

Changing technology helps media to reach millions of people. It also improves the quality of sound and images that we see. It is because of advancements in technology that we can watch live matches from any part of the world. Technological changes in the media, moulds and changes the minds of people. Through technology we can communicate with people in any part of the world on webcams and internet, information is disseminated in fraction of seconds. Thus, media has made us think of ourselves as members of a larger global world.

Q.4 How does mass media make money?

Ans

Mass media always tries to find out ways for making money. One way in which the mass media earns money is by advertising different products of different companies and industries. Since there are large number of brands in the market, companies advertise their products again and again to have it stick in the people’s mind.

Q.5 What role does media play in a democracy?

Ans

In a democracy, the media plays a vital and important role in providing news and discussing events taking place in the country and the world. It is on the basis of this information that citizens can learn how the government works.
People can take action on the basis of these news stories. Some of the ways in which they can do this is by writing letters to the concerned ministers, organising a public protest, starting a signature campaign, showing people’s response to a government plan, hence asking the government to rethink its programme.

Q.6 What is a balanced report?

Ans

A balanced report is one that discusses all points of view of a particular story and expects the readers to ponder over it. To give a balanced report the media needs to be independent i.e., no one should tell the media what can be included and what should not be included in a news story.

Q.7 What is the meaning of independent media?

Ans

An independent media means that no one should control and influence its coverage of news. No one should tell the media what can be included and what should be excluded in the news. The news given by the media should be reliable and not biased. Only an independent media can give a balanced report. Independence of media depends on whether media is able to avoid the influence of government and corporates while reporting issues.

Q.8 The media ‘sets the agenda’- Explain.

Ans

It is said so because the media influences our thoughts, feelings and actions, and brings various issues to our attention. Media decides which stories to focus on and what is ‘newsworthy’. Example: a school annual day function is unlikely to make a news. But if a famous personality is invited as the Chief Guest, then the media will cover it. Due to the significant influence it plays in our lives and in shaping our thoughts, it is commonly said that the media ‘sets the agenda’.

Q.9 Explain the meaning of the following terms:

a) Publish b)Censorship c)Broadcast d)Public protest

Ans

Publish:This refers to news reports, articles, interviews, stories, etc., that are printed in newspapers, magazines and books for a wide audience to read.

Censorship: This refers to the power that the government has to disallow media from publishing or showing certain stories.

Broadcast: This word is usually used to refer to a TV or radio programme that is widely transmitted.

Public protest: When a large number of people come together and openly state their opposition to some issue. Organising a rally, starting a signature campaign, blocking roads etc. are some of the ways in which this is done.

Q.10 What is the social responsibility of the media?

Ans

The media has an enormous social responsibility. It provides an accurate and detailed account of events. The media also provides a forum of people to share their views and ideas. It upholds the values of the society. Sometime media may become centre of economic and political power. In such cases, it is likely to place its private interests above public interests. There is a need to regulate media so that it gives priority to public interests. For this purpose, the media has evolved a set of principles or code of conduct for itself.

Q.11 What do you think will be the role of the media in an undemocratic country?

Ans

In an undemocratic country, the entire media (almost) is controlled by central authorities and at the same time, local media is strictly administered by local government. Media is allowed to focus only on the positive aspects of the ruling government. If any media criticises the functioning of the political parties or the government, then it is censored. Thus, in undemocratic countries, media becomes the mouthpiece of the government in actual sense. We can easily conclude that media is used by the government for propaganda politics in undemocratic countries and it hardly gets any chance to play constructive role in the state.

Q.12 What is local media?

Ans

Local media is run by local groups who start their own media in local/regional languages. It covers the local issues of people in remote areas which often get neglected by the national media.

Q.13 Give two examples of print media.

Ans

Two examples of print media are newspapers and magazines.

Q.14 Give two examples of digital media?

Ans

Two examples of digital media are television and internet.

Q.15 Television gives us a partial view of the world. Explain with example.

Ans

A lot of our impressions about the world are formed by what we see on TV. It shapes our view of the world, our beliefs, attitudes and values. However, what we see on TV may be only one side of the story. Example, we see various fashion shows on television where celebrity designers showcase their clothes. But there are number of small and marginal workers like weavers, tailors and craftsmen who actually make these exclusive clothes. These people are never covered on television or given any recognition. We must be active viewers and think critically about these issues.

Q.16 When did India experience censorship of media?

Ans

India experienced media censorship during the national emergency (imposed by Indira Gandhi) between 1975 -1977.

Q.17 Which is the earliest form of mass media?

Ans

Print media is the earliest form of media.

Q.18 What is a signature campaign?

Ans

It is a letter or a petition signed by many people to show support for a cause or an action.

Q.19 Who owns the Hindustan Times Group?

Ans

It is owned by the Birla Group, one of the foremost business houses in India.

Q.20 Who owns the Times of India Group?

Ans

It is largest media group in India owned by Bennet, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

Q.21 What is TRP in media?

Ans

Television Rating Points (TRP) is a tool provided to judge which television programmes are viewed the most.

Q.22 What is broadcasting?

Ans

Broadcasting is a method of transmitting audio and/or video programs to a large audience.

Q.23 Define public protests.

Ans

Public protests mean a strong opposition to or disapproval of something in the form of a public demonstration or other mass action.

Q.24 Define censorship.

Ans

Censorship is the suppression of speech and any other information by the government which may be considered objectionable, harmful or sensitive.

Q.25 Define media bias.

Ans

Media bias is the tendency of journalists and news producers to approach particular stories and the choice of which stories to cover, with an bias viewpoint.

Q.26 Which are the two largest selling newspapers in India published in Hindi?

Ans

According to 2009 Indian Readership Survey, Dainik Jagran and Dainik Bhaskar are the two most widely read newspapers in Hindi.

Q.27 Who is a journalist?

Ans

A journalist collects and reports information about current events, people,
trends and issues.

Q.28 Give examples of two countries with media censorship?

Ans

In Saudi Arabia and Cuba, print and electronic media are under strict state control.

Q.29 Which country has employed ‘internet police’?

Ans

In China, internet police is employed to monitor the internet and popular search engines like Google and Yahoo.

Q.30 When was the Right to Information Act passed?

Ans

Indian government passed the RTI Act in 2005, to give people access to information relating to public authorities. The act came into force in October 2005.

Q.31 Which government body in India is responsible for developing, regulating and sending out information?

Ans

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is the main body for formulation and implementation of laws relating to information, broadcasting, press and films in India.

Q.32 Name the media units of the Government of India.

Ans

The media units of the Government of India are: Press Information Bureau, the Publications Division and the Prasar Bharati which includes All India Radio and Doordarshan.

Q.33 Name the state in India where Right to Information Act is not implemented.

Ans

The act has effect all over India, except in Jammu and Kashmir.

Q.34 Define media propaganda.

Ans

Media propaganda refers to manipulation of public opinion by reporting news in a manner that it influences people and effectively persuades them for or against a cause.

Q.35 Name the four types of media.

Ans

Types of media are – Print, audio, audio-visual and digital.

Q.36 When was the first printing press invented and by whom?

Ans

In 1440, a German inventor, Johannes Gutenberg invented a printing press that remained the principal means of printing until the late 20th century.

Q.37 According to you, what is the first and foremost function of media?

Ans

Media’s greatest role is to create awareness among masses which is the backbone of the democratic process in a country. Information given by the media allows discussion and debates and helps in shaping public opinion. Media also conveys public opinion on various issues to the government.

Q.38 Why is there a need for media code of ethics?

Ans

Such a code of ethics would ensure that the media presents news correctly and fairly, respects people’s privacy, protects the interests of nation and the society, avoids vulgarity and shows caution while criticising judicial bodies.

Q.39 Why is it important to know different versions of the same story?

Ans

It is important to read different versions of the same story from different sources as they involve varied perspectives. This helps in taking a balanced view of the situation and an informed decision. If the report is one-sided, public opinion will also be bias.

Q.40 Give an example of constructive role played by media in society.

Ans

In 2003, Indian media drew attention towards alarming levels of pesticides in cola drinks. This created awareness on the need to regularly monitor these colas according to international quality and safety standards. Thus, media helped us focus on an issue that affects our health.

Q.41 What is the role of News Broadcasters Association in India?

Ans

The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) aims to improve the quality of broadcasting on Indian Television by setting a code of ethics and broadcasting standards. NBA is the united voice of the news and current affairs broadcasters in India.

Q.42 What do you mean by mass media?

Ans

Mediums of communication that reach millions of people across the country and the world are called mass media. Examples are:

Print media – newspapers, magazines.

Audio-visual -television, radio.

Digital / web based – internet.

Q.43 Give two examples of local media.

Ans

Local media consists of grassroot newspapers, journals and community radio service. Two examples of local media from India are:
a) Khabar Lahriya is a fortnightly that is run by Dalit women in Chitrakoot district in UP.
b) Bundeli is a newspaper that reports Dalit issues.

Q.44 State the importance of local media.

Ans

a) Considering that national media does not cover small issues in distant regions, local media reports issues that often go unnoticed by national media.

b) It is in local language and covers the issues of concern of ordinary people living in the remote areas of the country. Such issues include farming practices, and violence against dalits and women.

Q.45 How is local media beneficial to farmers?

Ans

Community radio services are used to make farmers learn about the prices of different crops and they also get advice on the use of seeds and fertilisers. They can learn about government schemes introduced to benefit the farmers.

Q.46 What led to the emergence of New World Information and Communication Order?

Ans

The concept of New World Information and Communication Order originated in UNESCO debates on global media 1970s. Major concerns and issues related to mass media were discussed like the unbalanced flow of mass media from the developed to the undeveloped countries.

Q.47 How does media decide which event is newsworthy?

Ans

Media tends to focus on those events that they believe will make interesting stories. For example, a school annual day is not likely to become news but a fashion show in the city does get media attention. This is because it involves the elites, their lifestyle, tastes and big money.

Q.48 What do you mean by media bias?

Ans

Media bias is a term used to describe partiality of journalists and news producers in the selection of events to be reported and how they are covered. Such biasness in reporting issues occurs due to media affiliations to big business houses and political parties.

Q.49 Highlight the key functions of mass media.

Ans

Three important functions of media are:

a) Advocacy – includes advertising, marketing and political communication.
b) Entertainment – schedule of movies, cultural programmes, sports events.
c) Public services and announcements – Example, deadline for filing income tax, prevention of Dengue, polio drops campaign in the city.

Q.50 Why are newspapers priced so low?

Ans

News papers are nominally priced because of the advertisements given in the paper. Advertisements in the paper are expensive and therefore, cover the cost. There are various advertisement sections in the paper like situation vacant, rent and sale of property and vehicles and various branded goods.

Q.51 If you were a journalist, what would you keep in mind while reporting a story?

Ans

As a journalist I would avoid any influence and control over the coverage of news.

I would make sure that I collect and report all facts correctly.

I would ensure that I report a balanced story without any bias and would present different perspectives to allow the readers think objectively.

Q.52 What is media consolidation?

Ans

Media consolidation is when a single organisation controls multiple media outlets – newspapers, TV and radio stations. This reduces the diversity of content available to consumers and kills critical scrutiny of the information published.

Q.53 What is media imperialism?

Ans

It refers to one way flow of information from western countries to developing countries, characterised by imposition of western culture and values on the developing world. As a result, the culture and identity of smaller nations is endangered.

Q.54 What is mainstream media?

Ans

The media that reflects the thought, ideology and activities of majority consumers is known as mainstream media. It is disseminated through large media groups including newspapers and television channels. Mainstream media faces criticism of neglecting the issues of marginalised sections.

Q.55 How does media affect our daily life? Give three examples from your life.

Ans

Mass media affects our lives in various ways:

(a) We can watch events taking place in different parts of the world like live telecast of Olympics in Beijing.
(b) Internet has brought an information revolution in the world. Cartoons, programmes, music, movies, news all can be downloaded from the internet.
(c) E-learning is a popular trend which has changed the way teaching learning takes place. Students are learning on the internet in an interactive way.

Q.56 The technology that mass media uses keeps changing. Is that a positive trend?

Ans

Advancements in technology helps media to reach more people.
(a) It also improves the quality of sound and the images that we see.
(b) Live telecast through satellites and cables allows us to view news and entertainment channels from across the world.
(c) Thus, the technology that mass media uses have brought the world closer to us, which is definitely a positive trend.

Q.57 What is the difference between media and advertising?

Ans

(a) Advertising refers to the means of communication with the aim of persuading the intended audience to take a certain action. Media refers to the various mediums through which information is disseminated to the mass public.
(b) Media includes radio, TV, magazines and websites, while advertising may include some of the content carried in the media types.

Q.58 While the news of the fashion week formed front page headlines, the demolition of Mumbai slums was not even noticed. Can you think of the reason why?

Ans

Media plays an important role in deciding what stories to focus on and therefore, decides on what is newsworthy. Media focuses on issues which are likely to make sensational headlines. Such news may not be of any interest to majority of the common people. The news about the fashion week, Sania Mirza’s marriage etc. always gets undivided media attention while the daily struggles of millions of people go unnoticed.

Q.59 Highlight the principles of code of media ethics.

Ans

The following principles are included in the media code of ethics:

(a) Maintaining accuracy and fairness.
(b) Respecting people’s privacy.
(c) Protecting the interests of nation and the society.
(d) Showing caution while questioning the actions of courts.
(e) Avoiding offensive language, images or expressions.

Q.60 Mass media has led to the shrinking of the world. How?

Ans

Mass media like television, radio and internet have led to the shrinking of the world by reporting events and happenings live in different parts of the world. News travels through satellites and cables in a fraction of seconds. The technology that mass media uses for its functioning is becoming advanced day by day. This shrinking of time in dissemination of information has led to the shrinking of the world.

Q.61 Concentration of media ownership is a threat to democracy. Elaborate.

Ans

Concentration of media ownership refers to the view that majority of the major media groups are owned by a proportionately small number of corporations. Such monopoly of media may result in:
1. Loyalty to advertisers and government rather than public interest.
2. Absence of diversity of opinions.
3. Denial of the right to know.
4. Censorship of critical thought.

Q.62 How can citizens test the authenticity of a news report?

Ans

Media consists of a number of news channels and newspapers, each of which is free to present a particular issue in its own way. People must gather information from several different sources before forming an opinion. A comparison of different news reports from different sources helps in critical analysis of an issue, thus leading to an informed decision.

Q.63 Can media reports be completely trusted? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans

Media reports cannot be completely trusted as there is always an element of bias. This element of bias could be because of influence of big business houses or a particular political ideology.

The media is overwhelmingly dependent on advertising revenue which comes from corporate and therefore, cannot afford to be critical of their actions, policies or products. In such a scenario, people should have access to different sources of information, so that they can scrutinise a report and make an informed opinion.

Q.64 How does media censorship work in Burma?

Ans

The Government of Burma is controlled by the military junta. The junta owns all daily newspapers and radio, along with the television channels. Media cannot report on antigovernment sentiments. Burma’s few privately owned publications must submit content to the Press Scrutiny Board for approval before publishing. Citizens have been arrested for listening to the BBC or Radio Free Asia in public.

Q.65 How does media create active citizenship?

Ans

The media performs a variety of functions:

(a) Media information and updates to people.
(b) It provides a forum for discussion and debate like ‘We the people’, ‘Letter to the editor’, etc.
(c) Media helps in forming public opinion by reporting various issues of public interest.

All this helps citizens to take active part in politics.

Q.66 Despite the absence of censorship by the government, most newspapers still fail to provide a balanced story. Why is that so?

Ans

Newspapers fail to provide balanced news because business houses control the media. It is in the interest of these businesses to focus on only one side of the story. Media’s continuous need for money and its links to advertising makes it difficult for media to report against people who give them advertisements. Media is not considered independent because of its close links to corporate.

Q.67 Mainstream media and advertising lead to exclusion. Explain with an example.

Ans

Media plays an important role in deciding what stories to focus on, and therefore, decides what is newsworthy. There are several cases when the media fails to focus on issues that are significant in our lives. To make interesting stories, media often covers the life of rich and the famous, while ignoring the issues of ordinary people, especially the poor and the marginalised. Example, a century made by Sachin Tendulkar in test cricket is covered on the front page, while a young soldier who lost his life on the border is ignored by the media.

Q.68 Most television channels and newspapers are a part of big business houses. Why so?

Ans

Mass media uses different technologies that are expensive in nature. Also, the technology keeps on changing and is getting advanced day by day, a lot of money is spent on getting the latest technology. Due to these costs, mass media needs a great deal of money to do its work. This money is provided by big business houses. As a result, most television channels and newspapers are part of big business houses.

Q.69 The efficacy of media depends on the political context in which it is located. Explain the statement.

Ans

The efficiency of media depends on the type of political system and the independence enjoyed by media in any country. In a democracy with free press and multiple sources of information like television channels, newspapers and internet, citizens have free access to information and can also scrutinise any information by comparing different perspectives. In an authoritarian system with strict government control over media, rulers decide what is to be published. Such media maintains the status quo and is never critical of the government. Example, Cuba, North Korea, Burma, Syria.

Q.70 Democracy is largely dependent on freedom of press. Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans

Free press is quintessential in any democracy. In the absence of free press, free and fair elections are meaningless. People will not be able to make a choice between different candidates from different political parties unless the records of those candidates are reported by an independent media.

Media helps people to actively engage in a democracy by forming public opinion.

Media maintains accountability and transparency in a democracy.

The needs and desires of the electorate also flow from the media to the decision makers.

Q.71 Television channels rarely show us how children are dying of hunger and malnutrition in African countries or how farmers commit suicides due to water crisis. Why is the focus more on entertainment?

Ans

This is a case of Media bias. Media bias is a term used to describe partiality of journalists and news producers in the selection of events to be reported and how they are covered. To make sensational stories, media often covers the life of successful and the famous, while ignoring the issues of ordinary people, especially the poor and the marginalised. The deaths of those in developing countries are insignificant as it does not get the eyeballs rolling. However, if a Hollywood personality adopts a child from a distant village in Africa, it becomes front page news.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

When the government forbids the media from covering specific movies or events, it is known as censorship. 

Giving factual information about a certain topic or news involves doing it from a reliable source.

In Class 7, students learn that the term “media” refers to all forms of communication, including newspapers, television news, radio, tv, and perhaps everything else that informs the public while also influencing public opinion. The word “media” is enlarged to include mass media since the information provided through these media reaches a wide range of individuals. Important Questions Class 7 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 6 clearly and concisely explain the concepts  in this chapter.