SHERIN FARHANA EV

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CRESCENT SCHOOL OF LAW, CHENNAI

ABSTRACT

Media Integrity and Opinion a thriving and a democratic society must embrace pluralism. The foundation of media ethics is provided by constitutional protections for freedom of speech and expression, which ensure responsible journalism that upholds truth, accuracy, and accountability. The preservation of the free press and its function in advancing democratic values are the main topics of this article. The article also examines the relationship between media ethics and viewpoint diversity, placing special emphasis on the media’s obligation to convey a wide variety of viewpoints in order to promote informed civic participation. The article demonstrates how the right to freedom of expression equips the media to serve as a watchdog and defend democratic processes through an examination of constitutional provisions and significant judicial rulings. Examined are issues with media ethics and the diversity of viewpoints in the digital age. Rapid technological advancements have altered the media environment, posing new problems like sensationalism, clickbait, and the dissemination of false information. Addressing these issues necessitates striking a fine balance between the necessity for media control to promote ethical reporting and the right to free expression. This paper explores how regulating organisations, such press councils and broadcasting authorities, support media plurality and media ethics. It draws attention to their constitutional obligation to protect editorial freedom while ensuring justice, honesty, and impartiality in media coverage. The article offers case laws that serve as examples of situations where media ethics and viewpoint pluralism were either upheld or breached in order to demonstrate the practical ramifications. These instances highlight the role that ethical reporting plays in defending democratic ideals as well as the negative effects of bias and sensationalism in the media. The article also suggests methods to improve viewpoint diversity and media ethics by drawing on international best practises. Programmes for media literacy, professional training for journalists, and promoting an ethical reporting culture inside newsrooms are all part of these methods. In conclusion, maintaining democratic principles and ensuring an informed and involved populace depend on media ethics and perspective diversity. The media is given the authority to responsibly carry out its democratic function thanks to the constitution’s protection of press freedom. The media may continue to promote democratic discourse, transparency, and enhance the democratic fabric of society by embracing ethical practises and offering a wide range of opinions.

KEYWORDS: Media, Ethics, Democracy, Freedom of Speech, Viewpoint