CHAPTER
ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
The important role media play in
fostering an environment of good governance and political awareness needs
hardly be emphasized. As the watchdog and interpreter of public issues and
events, the media has a special role in every society. In information-based
society the media have a disproportionately visible and influential role. International
Foundation for Election Systems, (2011).
Democracy cannot exist in the absence
of the press. This is because democracy is based on popular will and popular
opinion depends on the public’s awareness and knowledge. It is the mass media
that brings up, promotes and propagates public awareness.
Fischer, (2002) says the main
responsibility of the press is to provide comprehensive, analytical and factual
news and opinion to the people on everyday issues and events of popular
concern. To fulfill its duty and responsibility, the press must work according
to the fundamental principles of professional ethics, as well as norms and
values of journalism.
Goodman, (2010) opines that democracy
can neither be sustainable nor strong without a free press. On the other hand,
press freedom will not be possible without democracy. Therefore, the mass media
and journalists must be committed to democracy. For this, the press must be
perpetually involved in the establishment and promotion of a democratic
culture.
The press must remain ever vigilant to
protect and enforce people’s freedom of thought and expression and citizens’
right to all information relating to the various aspects of their life and
future.
Held, (2006) also observes the fact
that access to information is a citizen’s right and must be taken to heart, and
information must be presented in a simple and palatable manner. Right to
information is inherent in democratic functioning and a pre-condition for good
governance and the realization of all other human rights, including education
and health care. The main objectives should be the promotion of transparency
and accountability in governance so as to minimize corruption and inefficiency
in public office and to ensure the public’s participation in governance and
decision making.
Media must be credible and
trustworthy. Trust is the most valuable asset for any media. Once lost, it
cannot be earned back. It is for this reason that all media must uphold their
principles to provide accurate and factual news and other programmes.
Jones, (2001). Press must understand
the difference between politics in general and party politics. Media should not
be a vehicle, or used as an advocate for any political party or ideology.
Public and political issues should be
clearly understood, analyzed and presented in an impartial manner.
During elections/political campaigns,
equal time slots or opportunity must be allocated to each of the legitimate
political parties and candidates.
In the course of elections, messages
that encourage goodwill and harmony among all the ethnic groups, religions,
genders, cultures, languages, regions and communities should be broadcast.
Media plays the role of watch-dog in
reporting corruption, complacency and negligence. In a changing, competitive
landscape, compliance to good governance has never been taken so seriously, as
people demand more transparency from both the government and private sectors.
Responsible practices from government, universal principles on human rights and
the fight against corruption have assumed great importance.
A flourishing media sector enables
people to make informed decisions, becoming more effective participants in
society’s development.
In a developing
country like Nepal, the relatively low level of literacy, the variations in
topography and limited access to electricity all make radio the most suitable
medium to satisfy the information needs of the masses.
A robust, independent and pluralistic
media environment is crucial for good governance and the overall development of
the country. Freedom of expression, free flow of information and fair reporting
without government and commercial influences are accelerators of development.
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