NCERT Solutions Class 7, Social Science, Civics, Chapter- 6, Understanding Media.
EXERCISES
1. In what ways does the media play an important role in a democracy?
Solution:
Role of media played in democracy:
(i) It is the backbone or the fourth pillar of a democracy which makes us aware of social, political and economical activities.
(ii) Provides news and discussing events taking place in the country and the world.
(iii) It gives people information about how government works.
(iv) It also give information about the election related news and results.
(v) It raises the issues or problems related to the common people in front of politicians.
(vi) It also acts as a reminder for the politicians or ministers about their promises.
2. Can you give this diagram a title? What do you understand about the link between media and big business from this diagram?

Solution:
Title to the diagram:
- Media and Big Business Houses.
The link between media and Big Business:
- There is a strong link between media and big business/business house because of the following reasons:
- Most of the media (Newspapers, magazines, news channels) are owned by big business houses. e.g., Hindustan Times by Birla group.
- Big business houses finance the media in a big way.
- They pay heavy amounts to the media for their advertisements.
- They provide political, financial, social, and moral support.
- In return, the media propagates their policies and programmes.
- They publish and advertise their products.
3. You have 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.
Solution:
Media “setting an agenda” has an impact on democracy.
By focusing on a particular issue the media influences our thoughts and feelings.
It brings the core issues to light and sometimes even helps get justice for people.
By setting an agenda, media creates awareness about certain wrongs or the illegal activities happening in the society and makes the government take action.
Sometimes due to government pressure or due to the influence of big business houses, the balanced may not come out.
For example: During and after Commonwealth games media focused on the corruption in giving out the projects, more recently the “Coalgate” issue.
Bring to light the amount of money secretly stashed in Swiss banks.