Question

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.

Answer 1

Media “setting an agenda” has an impact on democracy.

1. By focusing on a particular issue the media influences our thoughts and feelings.
2. It brings the core issues to light and sometimes even helps get justice for people.
3. By setting an agenda, media creates awareness about certain wrongs or the illegal activities happening in the society and makes the government take action.
4. Sometimes due to government pressure or due to the influence of big business houses, the balanced may not come out.
5. For example: During and after Commonwealth games media focused on the corruption in giving out the projects, more recently the “Coalgate” issue.
6. Bring to light the amount of money secretly stashed in Swiss banks.