7) A free media has a crucial role in the prevention, monitoring and control of corruption. Discuss.(250 words)

Topic-    Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

7) A free media has a crucial role in the prevention, monitoring and control of corruption. Discuss.(250 words)

Reference

Directive word

Discuss- This is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. We also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to write in detail as to how a free media can play a crucial role in the prevention, monitoring and control of corruption.

Structure of the answer

Introduction– Write a few introductory lines about media and corruption. E.g Corruption is a huge menace in India, and a vibrant media can play a significant role as the fourth pillar of democracy, in reducing the level of corruption in our society.

Body-

• DIscuss in detail how media can play its role in prevention, monitoring and control of corruption. E.g  inform and educate the public on corruption, expose corruption in government, private sector and civil society organizations and help monitor codes of conduct while policing itself against corruption; providing  information on corruption through investigative reporting; Daily reporting of instances of corruption as they occur etc.

• Discuss how the media can be ensured to operate in a free environment devoid of any outside or internal influence. E.g  sometimes under pressure of competition, the media does not verify allegations and information before putting them in the public domain. Occasionally, such allegations/complaints are motivated. It is necessary to evolve norms and practices that all allegations/complaints would be duly screened, and the person against whom such allegations are made is given a fair chance to put forth his version; The electronic media should evolve a Code of Conduct and a self regulating mechanism in order to adhere to a Code of Conduct as a safeguard against malafide action; Government agencies can help the media in the fight against corruption by disclosing details about corruption cases regularly etc.

Conclusion– sum up your discussion in a few lines and form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the above issue.