06. Understanding Media – Class 7 Civics Chapter 6 Notes for CBSE and UPSC

Estimated reading: 6 minutes 20 views

Welcome to Understanding Media – Class 7 Civics Chapter 6 Notes for CBSE and UPSC.

UNIT FOUR: Media

Chapter 6: Understanding Media

Media and Its Impact on Daily Life

The media, including TV, radio, newspapers, the Internet, and more, is a powerful force in our lives.
Media collectively refers to various forms of communication.
The media plays a significant role in shaping our daily lives and influencing our thoughts.

Historical Evolution of Media

Media technology has evolved rapidly in recent years.
Newspapers, television, and radio use specific technologies to reach a broad audience.
Understanding the differences between print and electronic media.

The Role of Technology in Media

Technology is essential for the mass media to reach millions of people.
The development of cable television and the Internet has transformed media consumption.
Technology not only enhances media reach but also changes our perspectives on the world.

Media, Money, and Business

Mass media relies on expensive technology and resources.
Large business houses often control media organizations due to financial dependencies.
Advertising is a primary source of revenue for media outlets.

Media’s Influence on Democracy

Media plays a crucial role in a democracy by providing information about government actions.
A balanced and independent media is vital for a healthy democracy.
Censorship and the challenges of media independence.

Media’s Role in Setting Agendas

The media decides which stories to focus on, influencing our perception of important issues.
Understanding how the media sets the agenda for public discussion.
The importance of critically analyzing news reports and recognizing biases.

Local Media Initiatives

Local groups and community media provide alternative perspectives and grassroots reporting.
Examples of local media initiatives making a difference in society.
The significance of diverse voices in the media landscape.

Keywords with Definitions:

Important Keywords for Understanding Media – Class 7 Civics Chapter 6 Notes for CBSE and UPSC.

Media: Various forms of communication that include TV, radio, newspapers, the Internet, and more.
Mass Media: Forms of media that reach a vast audience, such as TV, radio, and newspapers.
Print Media: Media that uses printed materials, such as newspapers and magazines.
Electronic Media: Media that relies on electronic technology, such as TV and radio.
Censorship: The suppression or control of information or communication by an authority.
Independence of Media: The media’s ability to operate without undue influence or control from external sources.
Setting the Agenda: The process by which the media decides which stories to focus on and prioritize.
Social Advertising: Advertisements with a broader message for society, often created by the government or private agencies to promote social change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Important Questions for Understanding Media – Class 7 Civics Chapter 6 Notes for CBSE and UPSC.

1. What is the role of the media in a democracy?

The media plays a vital role in providing information about government actions and facilitating public discourse in a democracy.

2. How has technology influenced mass media?

Technology has enabled mass media to reach larger audiences and improve the quality of content, such as sound and images.

3. Why do large business houses often control media organizations?

Media outlets require significant financial resources, and business houses invest in them to generate revenue through advertising.

4. What is the significance of a balanced and independent media?

A balanced and independent media is crucial for a healthy democracy as it provides unbiased information and diverse perspectives to the public.

5. What is censorship, and how does it impact media?

Censorship refers to the suppression or control of information by an authority. It can limit media’s ability to report freely on certain topics.

6. How does the media set the agenda for public discussion?

The media decides which stories to focus on, shaping public perception of important issues and influencing public discourse.

7. What are social advertisements, and who creates them?

Social advertisements convey broader messages for society and are often created by the government or private agencies to promote social change.

8. What challenges do local media initiatives often face?

Local media initiatives aim to provide alternative perspectives but may struggle to compete with larger, more established media outlets.

9. How can individuals critically analyze news reports?

Critical analysis involves questioning the information presented, considering biases, and seeking diverse viewpoints to form a well-informed

opinion.

10. Why is it important for media consumers to be active viewers?

Being active viewers means questioning the information presented, considering biases, and seeking diverse viewpoints to understand the full picture. This helps individuals make informed decisions.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the primary role of the media in a democracy?

A. To control government actions
B. To provide unbiased information and facilitate public discourse
C. To promote advertisements
D. To entertain the public
Answer: B. To provide unbiased information and facilitate public discourse.

2. What distinguishes print media from electronic media?

A. Print media is more affordable
B. Electronic media uses printed materials
C. Print media is less popular
D. Electronic media relies on technology
Answer: D. Electronic media relies on technology.

3. What does censorship involve?

A. Promoting freedom of speech
B. Encouraging diverse viewpoints
C. Suppressing or controlling information
D. Ensuring media independence
Answer: C. Suppressing or controlling information.

4. Why do many media outlets depend on advertising?

A. To promote government initiatives
B. To generate revenue
C. To provide unbiased news
D. To entertain the audience
Answer: B. To generate revenue.

5. How can individuals avoid misinformation when consuming media?

A. By avoiding news consumption
B. By accepting all information as true
C. By questioning the information presented, considering biases, and seeking diverse viewpoints
D. By sharing news without verification
Answer: C. By questioning the information presented, considering biases, and seeking diverse viewpoints.

6. What is the historical evolution of media?

A. The decline of media technology
B. The consistent use of print media
C. Rapid advancements in media technology
D. The absence of technology in media
Answer: C. Rapid advancements in media technology.

7. What is the cost to advertise on a TV channel?

A. ₹ 1,000 to ₹ 10,000 per 10 seconds
B. ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 100,000 per 10 seconds
C. ₹ 100,000 to ₹ 1,000,000 per 10 seconds
D. ₹ 1,000,000 or more per 10 seconds
Answer: B. ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 100,000 per 10 seconds.

8. What is the role of media in setting the agenda?

A. To avoid discussing important issues
B. To entertain the public
C. To prioritize stories and shape public perception of important issues
D. To provide unbiased information
Answer: C. To prioritize stories and shape public perception of important issues.

9. What challenges do local media initiatives often face?

A. Difficulty in reaching a global audience
B. Struggles to compete with larger media outlets
C. Lack of technological advancements
D. Limited access to funding
Answer: B. Struggles to compete with larger media outlets.

10. How can individuals critically analyze news reports?

A. By accepting all information as true
B. By ignoring biases and viewpoints
C. By questioning the information presented and seeking diverse viewpoints
D. By sharing news without verification
Answer: C. By questioning the information presented and seeking diverse viewpoints.

This was the end of Understanding Media – Class 7 Civics Chapter 6 Notes for CBSE and UPSC

For more information, refer to NCERT SOLUTIONS, NCERT NOTES, and NCERT BOOKS .