Why in News?
In the recently-concluded Karnataka Assembly elections, political parties were provided free airtime on public broadcasters, All India Radio (Akashvani), and Door darshan during elections.
This initiative aimed to promote fairness and equal opportunities for political parties to convey their messages to the public.
Rationale behind the scheme
Airwaves are public property
To ensure fair and equitable coverage of political campaigns
- The concept of providing free airtime is based on the principle of giving every party an equal platform to present their policies, ideas, and vision to the electorate.
- It helps to level the playing field and prevent any party from dominating the media landscape due to its financial resources or influence.
To add more diversity and colour to the electoral process
- In the Indian media landscape, the pattern of ownership of media houses generally leads the public to identify a broadcaster as affiliated with one political party or the other.
- In this regard, State-sponsored airtime provides more diversity and colour to the electoral process.
- E.g., – The guidelines by the Election Commission of India require that a maximum of two panel discussions are also aired by Akashvani and DD.
- These discussions provide an excellent platform for parties, both big and small, to debate and criticise each other’s policies and manifestos, and in general promote an informed citizenry.
Significance
- It helps to level the playing field and prevent any party from dominating the media landscape due to its financial resources or influence.
- It allows the voters to hear different voices and perspectives, adding more diversity and color to the electoral process.
- It promotes an informed citizenry by enabling them to compare and contrast the policies and manifestos of various parties and candidates.
- It enhances the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process by ensuring that it is fair and equitable.
Conclusion:
- As the media landscape becomes increasingly focused on attention-grabbing tactics during elections, the use of airwaves becomes crucial in nourishing and enriching Indian democracy.
- The 2024 General Elections are anticipated to witness unprecedented levels of electioneering in the media.
- In this context, it is vital to prioritize spaces for sober, fair and considered debates that promote the exchange of ideas, informed decision-making, and a deeper understanding of political policies and manifestos.
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