The Asia Media Summit, organized by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), recently came into the news when the Union Information and Broadcasting at the 17th Asia Media Summit appreciated the Indian media for its role during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Media Role during Covid-19 Pandemic
During the Covid-19 crisis, the media took on a major role, acting as both a positive and negative influence. On the positive side, the media played a crucial service in ensuring awareness messages about the coronavirus, vital governmental instructions, and free doctor consultations reached every corner of the country. This was achieved through prompt coverage, ground reports, and organization of public health programmes, battling misinformation and fake news.
On the negative side, social media, while spreading awareness, also led to the dissemination of misleading information, sometimes sparking panic or confusion. Untrue claims concerning virus transmission, misuse of N95 masks by the public leading to shortages for frontline workers and unfounded reports about the extension of lockdown periods were significant negative impacts observed. Messages containing false claims about herbal remedies, immunity-boosters, religious interventions, and spiritual ways for prevention and treatment added to the general confusion.
The Media as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy
The media’s role in democracy is pivotal, often referred to as the “Fourth Pillar”. In a democratic setup, the media serves several functions. It provides impartial information which is critical for a nation’s development, offering data on economics, health, education, and more. Additionally, it educates the populace on essential societal topics, raises awareness about citizen’s democratic rights, and serves as a watchdog that ensures fair administration and exposes corruption. The media is instrumental in maintaining checks and balances, auditing government policies and spending, and ensuring accountability and transparency. Lastly, it propagates and disseminates government policies and initiatives, playing a crucial role in spreading awareness about programs like Swachh Bharat and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
About the Asia Media Summit
Organized by the AIBD annually, the Asia Media Summit is an international conference attended by decision-makers, media professionals, scholars, and stakeholders from all around the globe. Providing a unique opportunity for broadcasters in the region to share their thoughts on broadcasting and information, it is supported by all regional and international broadcasting unions.
About the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)
Established in 1977 under UNESCO, the AIBD is a unique intergovernmental organization that services the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) countries in the field of electronic media development. With its secretariat located in Kuala Lumpur and hosted by the Government of Malaysia, AIBD’s mandate is to achieve a vibrant and cohesive electronic media environment in the Asia-Pacific region through policy and resource development. Founding member organizations include the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), which are non-voting members of the General Conference.
