The role of media in a democratic system has been widely debated. India has the largest democracy in the world and media has a powerful presence in the country. In recent times, Indian media has been subject to a lot of criticism for the manner in which they have disregarded their obligation to social responsibility.

Dangerous business practices in the field of media have affected the fabric of Indian democracy. Big industrial conglomerates in the business of media have threatened the existence of pluralistic viewpoints. Post liberalisation, transnational media organisations have spread their wings in the Indian market with their own global interests. This has happened at the cost of an Indian media which was initially thought to be an agent of ushering in social change through developmental programs directed at the non privileged and marginalised sections of the society. Though media has at times successfully played the role of a watchdog of the government functionaries and has also aided in participatory communication, a lot still needs to be done.

In Indian democracy, media has a responsibility which is deeply associated with the socio-economic conditions. The present scenario is not quite encouraging and certain areas need to be addressed. It should be monitored that professional integrity and ethical standards are not sacrificed for sensational practices. The freedom of press in the country is a blessing for the people. However, this blessing can go terribly wrong when manipulations set in. The self-regulatory mechanism across media organisations need to be strong enough to stop anomalies whenever they occur. Press Council of India (PCI) need to be vigilant to stem the rot. Community participation is a goal that the media should strive for in a country like India.

In this context, the Institute of Media Studies (IMS) has organised a two-day national media conclave on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on May 3 and 4 at KIIT Convention Centre, KIIT University in Bhubaneswar. Media professionals, academicians, policy makers, bureaucrats, research scholars and students discussed the explosion of media in the country which has affected all other industry sectors and society.

SUB-THEMES

• Media & Governance
• Media, Social Harmony & Identity Politics
• Dissent, Protest & Media
• National Integrity: Issues & Narratives in Media
• Privacy and People’s Right to Know
• Citizen Journalism, Social Media and Digital Impact
• Media Ethics and Practices: The Changing Global Scenario