THE PRESS-ITS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

According to Napolean, four hostile newspapers are to be feared more than a thousand bayonets. Napolean recognized the power of the press through this statement. So powerful is the influence of the press in modern times that it is called the 'Fourth Estate', that is, the fourth most powerful institution influencing social order.

The press, that is, newspapers and periodicals are a sort of a mirror which reflects social occurrences and movements. It can Be called 'eyes and ears' of the world. It is indeed the chronicle of current history.

The press plays not merely the passive role of reflecting or recording events. It plays a very active and positive role of influencing events and shaping them. Through its publicity campaign it can make or mar the image and fate of public men, institutions and products.

It is an effective and powerful means of expressing and moulding public opinion. The press creates awareness among people on matters of public interest and thereby educates people in general.

The press serves as a means of communication between the rulers and the ruled and is an effective medium of ventilation of public grievances and hence makes the working of democracy meaningful. The press is the watchdog of democracy. In fact the free press is the greatest safeguard of democracy and a necessary condition for its success?1?hat is why a dictator's first attack is usually on the freedom of the press.

In our country we have been witnessing the power of the press. We are familiar with its crusades against social evils, bad administration, and against the attempts on the part of the government to curb the freedom of the press. Powerful investigations conducted by leading dailies and their campaigns have exposed persons occupying even the highest positions in society and government.

But in the power of the press lies its responsibility also. It must not indulge in cheap sensationalism, lies, misrepresentation and slander. It should not use its power and influence for blackmail or personal vendetta, but should use them with a sense of responsibility. It should be remembered that gross misuse of power by the press would harm the cause of democracy and pave the way for dictatorship whose first victim would be the free press itself.

In the health of the press lies the health of democracy.