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Media and press in very few countries enjoy the degree of freedom that Indian media houses enjoy. This has earned Indian media the moniker – Watch dog of the society. However freedom has come at a price. Even reputed national dallies have had to face allegations of indulging in publishing paid news. To obtain authentic news in India, denizens today have to look ‘web-ward’. Setting benchmarks Traditional media is losing ground to online newspapers as the latter are setting standards in coverage and ethical reporting. Many online portals also encourage citizen journalism where citizens can highlight issues to bring change. As news in India is circulated free through internet, advertisers cannot affect news publication. Paid news is also ruled out. News is delivered as it unfolds without partisan bias. Online portals have exposed scams and forced reluctant authorities to act. In addition to become mainstay providers of news, they have become agents of change. Online newspapers and social media have become major motivators of activism campaigns. Online news is not limited by time, space or geographic boundaries. Available free of cost, it is accessible by anybody, keeping citizens informed. An informed society is able to agitate to set things right. Shaping public opinions Online media is an exception when it comes to public opinion. The reaction of the masses to today’s latest news can be gauged immediately through comments. Administrators can read into people’s voices to understand anger, dejection, appreciation or desire for change. Traditional media do not have scope to mediate public opinion though they influence it. Even news stories that are broken by traditional media but later followed online, get reactions on the internet which snowballs into action. Popular media houses have developed e-papers and online portals exclusively to connect with their readers. Ethical reporting If online media is gaining preference over traditional media it is standards of ethics. Online news portals are not constrained for space. Space crunch in newspapers often results in absence of local news. Local issues are important part of news in India as people are keen on knowing what is happening in their vicinity. Unhindered coverage of local issues will help solve problems of civic administration and get the police to act on crime. It can also mobilize public to struggle to get their due. By not according to coverage to certain localities, traditional media flout ethics but online media have reports pouring from all corners of the country. Author’s Bio: Author is an expert with many years of corporate experience. He has written many articles for online publication, now he is providing information on the availability of news in India and latest news of today.
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