7th CBSE Notes On Understanding Media

   

 Grade : VII 

 POLITICAL SCIENCE  CHAPTER : 4 

 UNDERSTANDING MEDIA 

IMPROVE YOUR LEARNING

IMPROVE YOUR LEARNING

SAQ 01. What is Media?

Ans: 

1. Media is the plural form of the word medium,  
2. It indicates the various means through which we communicate with others in the society. 
3. Therefore, any means of communication, from a phone call to a television broadcast, can be considered as media. 

SAQ 02. What is Mass Media?

Ans: 

1. The term mass media is used when a particular form of media can reach out to millions of people across the world.
2. Mass media is therefore the primary means of communication used to reach large sections of the population.

LAQ 03. How is media changing with technological advancements?

Ans: 

1. Technology is changing rapidly, and, in turn, new forms of media are developing. 
2. Our life becomes very difficult without media 
3. For instance, we access news, communicate, watch movies through various satellite channels and the Internet.
4. The media that reaches the masses from printing to smartphone change the life style of the people.
5. When TV was introduced in India, only one channel was available across the nation, which is the government-owned Door darshan.
6. Later, privately-owned cable networks , DTH and Internet increased the no of channels and improved the audio and video quality with advanced technology.
7. With the rising popularity of the Internet, many social media sites helps to communicate people much easier and convenient than before.
8. Technology has, thus, brought the world closer.

LAQ 04. How does Money affect Media? 

 

Ans:     

1. As technology develops, the quality of media improves made technologies mostly expensive with TV Studio, cameras, sounds, recorders etc. 
2. Moreover, highly skilled technical experts required to operate the equipment also come at a high cost. 
3. Therefore, a great deal of money is required for running a media house using technologically-advanced equipment.
4. This is the reason why most television channels are owned and controlled by big business houses.
5. Mass media is usually a profit-making business. 
6. The revenue from advertisements forms the backbone of any media house. 
7. By telecasting advertisements of products ranging from bikes, cars, mobile phones to food items and services, the media house earns a lot of money.

LAQ 05. How strong is the fourth pillar of democracy?  

Ans:

1. The three pillars of democracy are the judiciary, the executive and the legislature.
2. Media is called the fourth pillar of democracy as it keeps a check on the other three pillars. 
3. Media has great power to influence people and their opinions.
4. This is commonly referred to as ‘the media setting the agenda’.
5. Media transmits news & events taking place across the country as well as  around the world. 
6. This enables citizens to frame their opinions regarding various issues. 
7. In a democracy, people are free to express their opinion through public demonstrations, rallies, social media, signature campaigns etc.
8. But there is always the danger of these protests turning violent. 
9. Hence, the information presented must be balanced and objective.

VSAQ 06. What is Sensationalism?  

Ans:

Focus on a particular side of a story to make it more interesting is called sensationalism.

SAQ 07. What is the importance of Local News?  

Ans:

1. As India is such a vast nation, the national and state media cannot present all the news from every corner of the country.  
2. It is the local media that helps in covering local issues involving ordinary people and their daily lives. 
3. These are usually run by local groups. 
4. Notable example of a local newspaper is Khabar Lahriya, of UP

LAQ 08. How does mass media influence people’s opinion? 

Ans:

1. Media often projects news that is beneficial to the public.
2. News such as those dealing with our health, increasing pollution in our cities, weather reports help people in different ways. 
3. Sometimes, the media persuades to rethink the laws and policies made by the Government 
4. Media report on social evils such as corruption, casteism, female infanticide and the evils of the dowry system.
5. But many  time, the media fails to focus on stories that affect the common man adversely. 
6. For example, Reports focusing on celebrities often get front page coverage in leading newspapers, while news about deaths due to unsafe drinking water does not.

LAQ 09. How does social media affect our lives? 

Ans:

1. Social media has become very popular in recent times, and our dependence on it is increasing by the day. 
2. People have many options to choose from  the Internet. 
3. It is like a ‘window to the world’.
4. Most social media applications can be accessed easily and without paying any price. 
5. Like other mass media platforms, they also earn revenue from advertisements. 
6. These apps provide us with information at the click of a button. 
7. They also help us in connecting with friends and family through chat, voice messages or video calls.
8. The Internet shapes our views of the world, our beliefs, attitudes and values.
9. However, we should be careful while dealing with information circulating on the Internet.
10. We must understand the importance of news and how false news can spell trouble for our society. 
11. It is our responsibility to verify news before believing and circulating it. 
12. This would help in making our society less prejudiced and less vulnerable.