Indian Media Policy, Governance, and Public Interest: A Critical Analysis in the Post‑Independence Era
Harsha B. Abeykoon
Abstract
The media plays a pivotal role in democratic governance by facilitating public discourse, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding the public interest. In democratic theory, the media is frequently conceptualized as the “Fourth Estate,” complementing the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. This study critically examines Indian media policy, media regulation, media ethics, and media management within the broader framework of governance and public welfare. Drawing upon classical and contemporary media and social theories, including the public sphere, hegemony, framing, cultivation, and two‑step flow theories, the article analyzes the evolution of Indian media governance from the colonial period to the post‑independence era. Special emphasis is placed on the institutional mechanisms established after 1947, particularly the role of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and its affiliated agencies in shaping state communication and public opinion. Furthermore, the study undertakes a comparative discussion of media policy development in India and Sri Lanka, highlighting structural strengths in the Indian model and policy‑level weaknesses in the Sri Lankan context. The findings suggest that a coherent media policy framework aligned with national development goals and democratic values is essential for ensuring media freedom, accountability, and effective public communication.
Keywords: Media policy, governance, public interest, Indian media, Fourth Estate, public sphere
DOI link – https://doi.org/10.69758/GIMRJ/2512S01V13P018
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