CBSE ASL Speaking Topic “Discussion on the topic of ‘Freedom of Press’ among certain friends”.

Discussion on the topic of ‘Freedom of Press’ among certain friends.

Conversation on the Topic “Freedom of Press” for Class 9, 10, 11 and 12 Students.

Rita: The press plays a very significant role in the life of a democratic society.

Raj: In my opinion, the role of the press cannot be minimized even in a dictatorship. Because a dictator also needs the press to propagate his ideology and policies.

Ramesh: But the press plays a very positive and constructive role in a democracy.

Suresh: In a democracy, the role of press is quite different from that in a dictatorship.

George: You are right. It is the dissemination of information and news.

Manju: The reality is that without a free, frank and fearless press, democracy cannot be a success. The newspapers keep the people informed of the international and national news and happenings.

Lalit: Any incident taking place in any corner of the country or the world is splashed by the press immediately.

Neeru: In a democracy, the newspapers play a very important role. They keep the people informed about the programmes and policies of the government.

Salim: They also keep the government informed of the desires, wishes and grievances of the people. In this manner, in a democracy, newspapers play a dual role. They try to bridge the gap between the government and the people.

Javed: On the other hand, in a dictatorship news- papers are only one-way media in the hands of the dictator. The dictator tries to promote only his personal interests through the press.

Afifa: The newspapers can play a constructive role in a democratic society. By dissemination of information and correct reporting, they can greatly help in the formation of a healthy public opinion among the people.

Farid: But sometimes certain newspapers indulge in yellow journalism. They give highly sensational biased and coloured news just to create some sort of excitement among the people.

Kuldip Singh: Such newspapers spread rumours and indulge in mudslinging. These actions on the part of a press must be curbed.

Rita: Similarly, some newspapers also spread communal and sectarian feelings. They are responsible for the spread of the poison of communal hatred among the different communities causing religious riots.

Raj: These communal-oriented newspapers instead of doing any service do a lot of disservice to the nation.

Ramesh: The duty of a newspaper should be truthful and objective reporting of news and views.

Suresh: But in India most of the newspapers are controlled by ‘business magnates.

George: These newspapers, therefore, try to give a tainted and a distorted version of the news to serve their own interests. The news is tilted in favour of the capitalists and rich classes instead of the poor and the working classes.

Manju: The freedom of the press is very important if it has to play any significant role in the life of a nation. This is especially so, in a democratic society.

Lalit: I agree with you, Unless the press itself enjoys freedom how can it become the defender and the protector of the rights and liberties of the citizens?

Neeru: A free press signifies an open society, where decisions are made according to democratic traditions.

Salim: The press can only perform its sacred duties if it is free and independent in publishing news, views, and reporting.

Rita: The press should not be afraid of upholding and supporting a just and righteous cause. It should not be afraid of criticising the government in a healthy manner.

Raj: The press should also not be afraid of influential persons. It has to be eternally vigilant to protect the rights of the workers, backward and suppressed sections of the society.

Ramesh: It should also give a balanced view of the things, so that people can be helped in the formation of a healthy public opinion.

Suresh: But like all other freedoms, the freedom of the press should also not be used as a licence. It should not be misused to create a situation of the law of the jungle.

George: In reality, the press should also observe certain self-imposed limitations on itself. It should not publish any views which harm the interests of the nation.

Manju: It should rather strengthen the nation and contribute towards the emotional integration of the country.