Q3. Considering that Media are given greater importance, describe the freedom of media.
Q9. In a globalized world, discuss and evaluate the concepts of "Free Press" and "Responsibility" in the developing and developed societies.

Introduction: media is the fourth pillar of state. It plays a pivotal role in the dissemination of information. Due to its ability to act as a opinion maker, it is the responsibility of media to bring to the citizens the whole truth. In this regard, media should undertake all the measures necessary to get to the truth. However, with liberty comes responsibility.

Free media:
Statement of universal rights” every citizen shall have the right to freedom of opinion and expression, this freedom means the liberty to make an opinion without any interference and to express the same through any media regardless of boundaries”
this suggests the freedom to expression and communication using all the media including electronic, print etc. although this implies absence of interference. in practice, it is usually achieved only through legal and constitutional means.
In matters of government documents, each government has the right to declare certain documents as certified, confidential with regard to the protection of national interest. therefore, any government can declare any document to be public or to be reserved from disclosure to public.

Importance of free press:
The primary responsibility of media is to present the truth, it owes its loyalty to the citizens. Media is the primary source of dissemination of information. It not only presents the basic news but all the views. This variety of news helps the citizens to comprehend the issue in a better way and form their own perspective. In addition, free press also helps the individuals to understand their role and respond appropriately .

Responsibility of media

With freedom comes responsibility, therefore media should respond towards freedom in a responsible way. it is the responsibility of media to present whole truth to the citizens and to avoid influence from those they cover. In addition, it should refrain from taking bribes or letting their personal social, political and religious views from affecting their journalistic abilities. Media should not present pictures or sounds in a way that is misleading. efforts should be undertaken to avoid anonymous sources. Media should not let the freedom granted affect anyone’s private life or reputation. In case a news is to be published or broadcasted against anyone, the subject of the news should be given the opportunity to justify himself. similarly, children, women and trauma victims should be handled sensitively.


Status of press/media in world:
Normally, the freedom of media in any society is influenced by the political ideology and socio-economic conditions prevailing in the country.
a) Freedom of press in developed countries:
Most often, media enjoys complete freedom and liberty in developed countries. particularly, in Britain, media operates independently without interference from the Queen. In U.SA, constitution embodies freedom of press. In france, media is allowed to operate without any interference. The 2012, press freedom index indicated countries like finland, Norway, Estonia to have absolute freedom of press. However, this is not an absolute condition. Particularly, in chechnaya , Russia, journalists are not allowed to operate freely and fulfil their journalistic obligations.

b) Freedom of press in developing countries:
The status of press freedom in developing countries demands special treatment. It is often assumed that in such countries, press is controlled by loan-paying countries. Political leaders are often the influence of developed countries and they operate media as a puppet in their hands. Multinational cooperations operating in such developing countries often influence media to project their vested interests. particularly, in Pakistan and Nigeria, often before elections, media is issued strict code of conduct.


Critical analysis: media plays an important role in any society, particularly in the contemporary world. It ensures stability of government s and especially a democratic government. However, many developing countries challenge the freedom of press.