Media How Socially Responsible is it? By: Mita Pramanik

A common element of almost all successful social accountability initiatives is the strategic use of both traditional and modern forms of media to raise awareness around public issues, disseminate findings and create a platform for public debate.

Janus The Two faces of the Media Janus is the Roman god of gates and doors (ianua), beginnings and endings, and hence represented with a double-faced head, each looking in opposite directions. Janus has been chosen to symbolise the two faces of the media: Janus is witness to a peace- loving as well as hostile world.

The Frowning Face of Terrorism Bomb blasts in Jaipur _jai1.jpg Blast/blast5.jpg

Responsible Media! In any civilized or developing society, media plays a key role in shaping up the youth of a country, and guiding the entire nation towards a value based society. media's attitude, approach and behavior has got to be cautious and responsible at the same time, it has a huge job on its hand.

Do you call this RESPONSIBLE ? Famous Richard Gere kissing Shilpa Shetty was shown in multiple frames. Small time model who created a scene just a day before Abhishek got married. everyone knows the kind of coverage she got, was all that really necessary? the way programmes like "sansani" are shown gorifying the crime all the time, throwing lots of red blood on the screen

It Impact’s HIGH Role of media especially electronic media has increased prominently in bringing awareness in the society. And the strategies which they use also are very impressive, they use Film stars and cricketers in bringing awareness,as most of the fans will follow what his ICON says. We see Amitabh bringing awareness abt Polio Drops and The entire Indain cricket team trying to bring awareness on HIV etc., as it is more appealing. Since every individual depends on some media or the other for the latest News and updates this is the best way to bring awareness in the society.

Your Project Select your medium (Print/audio/audiovisual) Select topic (Terrorism, Natural Disasters, Political upheavals etc) Do necessary research from library and on internet. You are required to present your findings in the form of report in any of the select media form (Print, audio, audiovisual). Also highlight the role and a picture of a responsible media. Critically analyze your research, share with others on Blog.

Your Role is Important During the entire Project you need to role play as RESPONSIBLE JOURNALIST

Do Remember to.. Be careful in dealing with ‘facts’ and ‘opinions’ Its not merely reporting, but creating awareness, generating opinions for the cause of a better world. Do a thorough research on the reporting pattern and demands of each media. Decide your target audience. Focus on your immediate community, not just the larger society to understand the relevance.

Do not forget to Acknowledge Resources!! Microsoft Clip art (graphics)