Which of the following are the basic responsibilities of the media? (…

The correct answer is Option (3) → (A), (B) and (C) only

(A) Impartial reportage Correct. The media’s first duty is to report events fairly and without bias, so that people can form their own opinions. A media that takes sides cannot act as the watchdog of democracy, the role Nehru asked it to play.

(B) Protecting the interest of the masses Correct. In independent India the media was expected to inform the people of developmental efforts and to fight oppressive social practices; that is, to serve the interest of the people.

(C) Sensitive towards national interest Correct. The media was expected to spread the spirit of self-reliance and national development among the people, which calls for care about the national interest in what it reports.

(D) Identifying sensational news items Incorrect. Hunting for sensational news may raise sales or ratings, but it is not a responsibility of the media; sensationalism works against impartial and responsible reporting.

Note: This question framed by NTA is outside the NCERT book (2025-26 edition): the book does not list the ‘basic responsibilities of the media’. It says that Nehru called upon the media to function as the watchdog of democracy and to spread self-reliance and national development, which supports (A), (B) and (C); the answer is marked as per the NTA answer key.