Newspapers and their Importance
Today newspapers play a very important role in our life. They have become almost as important as food and clothes. Everybody wants to read a newspaper. In cities, morning tea is not relished without newspaper in hand. The four letters of the word 'NEWS' stands for all the four directions - North, East, West and South. In this way newspapers bring us news from all sides.
A newspaper is the most powerful organ of democracy. In democracy, its value is really great. It is a link between the people and the government. Its role in the national and international life of a country is very important. The government and the public both can explain their points of view through a newspaper. In the words of John Galsworthy, " Democracy cannot survive without honest press." Being a powerful medium of information, in a democratic country press is called the fourth pillar of the society.
During Indian freedom movement newspapers played a vital role. Newspapers made Indian public aware of cruelties of British empire. Patriotic poems, songs and article published in newspaper made British Government restless. Newspapers named Maratha, Kesari and others made people enthusiastic to get rid of British empire. Through newspapers Indian people kept themselves informed of all the activities going on in the country. Literature published in various newspapers was a challenge for British Govt. So much of the literature was banned by Britishers. It is rightly said that pen is mightier than sword. Newspapers are very necessary for businessman. They give the news of rise and fall of prices, of market trend and of the rates of commodities in every part of the world. They help in the development of trade and commerce.
Newspapers are also important means of advertisement. There are all kinds of advertisements in them. They advertise goods of different kinds and bring the buyer and the seller closer. 'Situations Vacant' column help the unemployed people in finding out jobs. 'Matrimonial' columns help us in finding life partners. The newspaper publish market reports, radio programmes, literacy articles, cinema reviews, legal notices from courts, notices of birth, test match commentaries etc.
The education value of newspaper is untold. Articles on all subjects - scientific, literacy, political and economics - appear in them. There are interesting talks, speeches, short plays and articles in the newspapers. These articles increase our knowledge and broaden our outlook. They provides us with recreation, knowledge and information.
Newspapers have some evils also. In our country different newspapers favor different political parties for their propaganda. Sometimes they publish false news and spread rumors. Sometimes rich men use them for their personal gains. The advertisements are obscene at times. The news of rape, dacoity, abortion and the like poison our minds.
The government should check the publication of vulgar and obscene matter. It is necessary for the government to control the press during war. Newspapers may prove to be of great importance in the development of human culture and civilization. Their future is without doubt bright.
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