Evaluating Media Statements

This solution examines four statements about the media's role and characteristics in contemporary societies.

Statement Analysis

• (a) Print media is witnessing a marginalised role in contemporary democracies. This statement is generally considered true. The rise of digital and electronic media has led to a decline in the influence and reach of traditional print media in many democratic nations.
• (b) Electronic media assumes a decisive role. This statement is also generally considered true. Television, radio, and especially online platforms (internet news, social media) have a significant impact on public opinion and political discourse due to their wide reach and immediacy.
• (c) Media is dispassionate and objective in all political systems. This statement is generally considered false. Media outlets are often influenced by ownership, political affiliations, commercial interests, or governmental pressures, making complete objectivity and dispassionality rare across all political systems.
• (d) Instruments of media are controlled by the industrial and corporate groups. This statement is generally considered true. Ownership of major media corporations by large industrial and corporate entities is a common phenomenon, influencing media content and operations.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, statements (a), (b), and (d) accurately reflect common observations about the media landscape. Statement (c) presents an idealized view that is not consistently true in practice.

Therefore, the correct combination of true statements is (a), (b), and (d).