Some say that reading newspapers and watching TV news is a waste of time, because it has no direct connection with people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Some say that reading newspapers and watching TV news is a waste of time, because it has no direct connection with people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

An overwhelming majority believes mass-media for news distribution has, nowadays, become irrelevant as it hardly serves the interest of the common populace, while others consider the role of these mediums as a cornerstone of public representation. This essay shall delve deeper in both perspectives and draw a plausible conclusion.

Admittedly, the loss of credibility stems from significant coverage focused on political conflicts, celebrity scandals, or high-pitched debates having little relevance to ordinary people and rarely helps people improve skills, health, or financial stability. The sensationalisation aimed at attracting attention, persuades anchors to prioritise shock and fear-driven headlines and constant negative narratives engenders emotional fatigue and pessimism, rather than empowering, causing disenchantment. To exemplify, a study conducted by the Times of India reveals that over 65% of respondents felt regular exposure to television news increased stress without offering practical benefits, so they avoided engaging with media.

However, the advocates of media argue that newspapers, and digital venues, disseminate essential information and socio-economic trends that directly benefit citizens: coverage of employment markets, education reforms, public health advisories and government policy changes, influence how people and businesses plan their future and proactively protect themselves. To corroborate this, timely reporting of pandemic-related guidelines from 2021 to 2022, enabled Indians and businesses to adapt their behaviours and policies, and take precautions accordingly, otherwise, without access to such updates, people would be disconnected from decisions and consequences that would have resulted in an economic and health catastrophe.

Overall, while end-to-end outcomes are limited and frequently harmful for those consuming sensational, and alarmist coverage, at large, ethical  journalistic outputs afford informational value when approached critically as the strength of this medium instills civic awareness and empowers individuals to navigate effectively in an increasingly information-geared world.