Malcolm X, an African-American minister and human right activist said “The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses”

Former British Parliament Member Lord Macaulay described media as the fourth pillar of the state which is now globally recognized. In any republican government system, there must be three administrative bodies such as Parliament, Administrative department and Judiciary body. In the absence of any of these bodies, the government can not run systematically. In present day it is felt that one body more is necessary to be with them, that is media.

Today, we can not think a healthy democracy without media and it is considered as the backbone of democracy. Media makes us aware of various social, political and economical activities happening around the world. It is like a mirror, which shows us or strives to show us the bare truth and harsh realities of life.

Media plays a pivotal role in making an informative bridge between the government and commoner. It is true that in absence of media common people cannot know about what kind of bills and acts are passed in the parliament, and what are their positive and negative effects in the society. It exposes loopholes in the democratic system, which ultimately helps government in filling the vacuums of loopholes and making a system more accountable, responsive and citizen-friendly. It is called that a democracy without media is like a vehicle without wheels

The media has evolved and become more active over the years. It is the media only who reminds politicians about their unfulfilled promises at the time of elections. Newspapers, Television and Radio’s news coverage during elections helps people in electing the right person to the power. At the same time Television and radio are playing significant role in educating rural illiterate masses and making them aware about their rights and responsibilities. .

We live in an era of information and technology which has given a new dimension in our life. For the innovation of new technology the pattern of media also has changed. Today, we do not only depend on the traditional media for the information along with that new media has created a new horizon of information. Now people do not need to wait for the television news or newspaper to know the update of government’s activities, opposition’s movement schedule and the scenario of the share-market and any scandal of showbiz. By the help of new media like blog, facebook, twitter public is getting the update very easily and it spreads in a jiffy.

Regarding this situation a new concept of journalism has been set in our country that is called ‘Citizen Journalism’ though it is being practiced in the devolved countries since long before. Citizen is now himself/herself a journalist. For that he/s need not to work any media house. He can post the news, picture and videos on his own blog or facebook account as well as other median. Because, some online newspapers in Bangladesh encourage the people to post or email news or picture to them.

Many people opined that this new concept of journalism is a treat for the mainstream media and journalist as people are having quick message from the new media than the traditional one. New media has given a new impetus to the other traditional media. It helps them to be quicker, more standard and compelled them to think over the audience response.

However, it is true that the usage of new media is still limited among the certain group of people, especially who are educated and have access on internet. Besides, use of new media is city-centric as many areas f the country are yet to reach electricity and internet facilities.

In spite of the advent of new media, we can not deny the role of traditional media in our society. A large number of urban and rural people still depend on the newspapers, television and radio. The village illiterate farmers solely hinge on the television and radio for their necessary information. Besides, Mass media plays an important role in forming public opinion. Media cover the public sufferings and the irregularities of the governments and in this way people become aware of their right and can fix their demand to place to the government or the concern authority.

‘To serve the people and nation’ once was the motto of the mass media but with the passage of time media has deviated from that goal. Now, corporate company and the owner of the black-money are the bigwigs of the media. Media now works a tool of their business propaganda and a weapon to face their rivals. They merely think over the public interest. If we put a look on the recent booming media houses then it will be clear to us. In most media houses journalists can not work freely and they are compelled to embed in the owner of the media. In this situation practice of journalism is nothing but a miracle. (to be continued)….

Writer is a media worker