NCERT Class 7 Political Science — Chapter 3: Understanding Media

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Assertion (A): Most television channels and newspapers in India are part of big business houses. Reason (R): The Press Council of India mandates that media ownership must be restricted to non-profit organizations.

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The structure of media ownership in India involves a mix of public and private entities. The Press Council of India (PCI) functions as a statutory, quasi-judicial body aimed at preserving press freedom and maintaining standards, but its jurisdiction regarding ownership regulations is limited.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Assertion (A): Correct. The Indian media landscape is characterized by significant corporate presence. A large number of television channels and newspapers are owned, directly or indirectly, by large business conglomerates. This trend of corporate ownership and cross-media holdings is a recognized feature of the industry.
Reason (R): Incorrect. The Press Council of India, established under the Press Council Act of 1978, is mandated to preserve the freedom of the press and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies. It does not mandate that media ownership be restricted to non-profit organizations. Media houses in India predominantly operate as for-profit commercial entities under the Companies Act and other relevant laws.

Key Takeaway: The Press Council of India acts as a watchdog for press ethics and standards in print media; it does not enforce restrictions limiting media ownership exclusively to non-profit organizations.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Understanding Media

Which of the following statements best characterizes the relationship between mass media and technology?

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Consider the following pairs regarding media evolution: 1. Gutenberg : Printing Press 2. John L. Baird : Televisor 3. Electronic Typewriter : 1940s Journalism shift How many of the above pairs are correctly matched based on the text?

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Consider the following statements regarding the revenue model of mass media: 1. The primary source of revenue for mass media is government subsidies. 2. Mass media earns revenue by advertising products such as cars and mobile phones. 3. Advertisements are legally prohibited from being repeated during a programme. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In the context of a news studio, which of the following contribute to the operational costs? 1. Salaries of newsreaders 2. Salaries of technical staff 3. Transmission satellites 4. Sound recorders

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Within the framework of democratic participation, the expression “public protest” most appropriately refers to which of the following?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Assertion (A): Correct. The Indian media landscape is characterized by significant corporate presence. A large number of television channels and newspapers are owned, directly or indirectly, by large business conglomerates. This trend of corporate ownership and cross-media holdings is a recognized feature of the industry.
Reason (R): Incorrect. The Press Council of India, established under the Press Council Act of 1978, is mandated to preserve the freedom of the press and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies. It does not mandate that media ownership be restricted to non-profit organizations. Media houses in India predominantly operate as for-profit commercial entities under the Companies Act and other relevant laws.