1Research Scholar, Department of Studies in Communication and Journalism, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Karnataka, India
2Professor, of Studies in, Communication and Journalism, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Karnataka, India
3Guest Faculty, Department of Communication and Journalism, Maharaja's College, University of Mysore, Karnataka, India
4Guest Faculty, Department of Communication and Journalism, Maharaja's College, University of Mysore, Karnataka, India
Online published on 21 May, 2016.
The present study evaluates the uses of Right to Information Act, 2005 from the point of view of media professionals in Karnataka state. The media institutions provide a platform that enables government functionaries to operate efficiently, effectively and transparently and be accountable to the public who are the makers of democracy. Right to information is one of the core values of good governance and the media can make a real difference to the lives of poor and disadvantaged people in a civil society. The review of literature confirms the fact that not even a single study is carried out in India on the use of right to information by the members of the fourth estate in Karnataka state. The present study was carried out on the basis of systematic survey research method. The study reveals that right to information facilitated early access to information to the media professionals. The media professionals have also gained adequate advantages from the use of Right to Information Act, 2005. The study suggests that the best practices should be used to establish good rapport between the information seekers and information providers. The study also emphasizes that the government should also further put in place measures to promote openness and a culture of disclosure of information in government institutions on the basis of positive attitude and behavioral patterns of the officials.
