Written by: Saanvi Adhikari - 25058, Grade XI
Posted on: 21 February, 2024
We need not be irritated by the electronic media as it seems today. Electronic media such as the radio, television, and the internet have been educating people in politics in multiple ways: through news and views, and promoting public awareness. Although they are commercial media, they provide some services to people who are their target audiences. One of their major functions is to educate people.
Educating people through News
Electronic media deserve relative freedom to serve their audiences by providing news possessing ABC (Accuracy, Balance and Credibility) properties. When people get factual information in the form of news, they can learn many things. The news belonging to politics and current issues make people build up their opinion about political programs, leaders and the programs of the government as well. For instance, the news of a program organized by a major political party is essential to all the people. They can learn the principles of these parties by analyzing the news broadcast. In the elections, people can choose the candidates on the basis of the understanding they have developed. Similarly, people can learn the duties and rights of citizens by analyzing the news they get on the electronic media.
Educating people through Views
Similarly, electronic media educate the people in politics by broadcasting or telecasting or transmitting different views belonging to different political principles. For instance, the interview with a communist party leader on radio or television transmits the communist principles which people can compare with a democratic principles which people can compare with non-communist philosophies. Likewise, people can be exposed to political views if they make use of the internet because different views on politics can be found there. Furthermore, if people are equipped with the knowledge belonging to distinct views, they can understand what the rights to politics are and try to enjoy them in their real life. Thus, the electronic media can contribute to educate people in politics by providing different views.
Educating people by Awareness
Electronic media can educate the people by promoting public awareness through different programs. If people watch and listen to a program on television, in which the importance of voters is being discussed, they will be alert in the election and they understand why elections are important. Similarly, by getting different information on the internet, people can enhance the level of their awareness in politics.
In addition to the ways mentioned above, electronic media can educate the people in politics through other ways, too. In our country, during Janaandolan-II , private TV channels were found promoting political awareness of the people by telecasting different news and views. Thus, we can conclude that electronic media can educate the people in various ways significantly.
