Role of Media in Igniting Minds for Positive Change : A Study of the Coverage of Inspiring Stories by four National Dailies Dainik Bhaskar, Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala & The Indian Express

Dr Pramod Kumar

Volume : IX, Issue : III, March - 2019

Role of Media in Igniting Minds for Positive Change : A Study of the Coverage of Inspiring Stories by four National Dailies Dainik Bhaskar, Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala & The Indian Express

Dr Pramod Kumar

Abstract :

Media is a time–tested tool for igniting human minds for a societal change. It has best been witnessed during India’s freedom movement and on many other occasions after that. But, as the corporatisation in media proliferates, the space for inspiring stories reduces substantially. The prime argument for curtailing the space for positive stories is that such stories have no commercial value, although they have the highest readership. But despite pressure from the marketing department on editors to avoid such stories, some top daily newspapers published from New Delhi, including Dainik Bhaskar, Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala and The Indian Express, regularly dedicate some space to inspiring stories. Dainik Jagran and Amar Ujala have daily columns as ‘Sarokaar’ and ‘Manzilen Aur Bhi Hain’ respectively, while Dainik Bhaskar and The Indian Express have weekly columns as ‘No Negative Monday’ and ‘Tracking Change Every Monday’ respectively. Through these columns, these newspapers acquaint their readers with the individuals and voluntary organisations, which are causing a silent revolution of positive change in their respective areas. Contrary to the mindset that development is the sole responsibility of governments, these changemakers have proved that the contribution of everyone counts. Undoubtedly, raising questions is the job of media, but highlighting the positive side of the society and stirring people for a positive change too is the job of media. Hence, the media should take up some sustained campaigns like 100% literacy, preventive health care, energy and water conservation, etc. If it is done, it can be the best tribute to Gandhiji during his 150th birth anniversary year.