Good governance links government to the notion of responsibility for and to the citizenry as opposed to the traditional idea of authority over a nation--legitimacy emanating from popular assent to and participation in government, which is concerned with the welfare of its citizens. The role of the media in promoting good governance is clear. All aspects of good governance are facilitated by a strong and independent mediascape within a society. Only when journalists are free to monitor, investigate and criticize the public administration’s policies and actions can good governance take hold. Freedom of speech and expression subject to reasonable restrictions is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. India celebrates its freedom of press which has been played an important role in the evolution of the Indian society over the decades. The freedom of speech is bolstered by the Right to Information. Media is called the fourth estate of democracy. 

Role of Media

1. Source of information: An unbiased information is important for a democracy and its growth. Media help in providing critical information to citizens. E.g data on economy, health, education etc. must be correct and accurate without any bias toward government.
2. Educate: Media is important to educate people on issues that are of utmost important for the society. E.g Increasing number of rape cases are threat to society. It is important to report exact number of cases and help in sensitising the society.
3. Awareness: Media make society aware of their democratic rights and fight the three institutions of democracy.
4. Ensuring Justice: Media plays an important role in ensuring justice and benefits of the government policies reaching the weaker sections of the society. They act as a chain between the government and the citizens of the country.
5. Watchdog: Media reporting on public affairs and investigations into wrongdoing in the administration of public affairs is must for a healthy democracy. This includes exposing frauds or corruption cases that personally benefit politicians. This help citizens to vote the best government defeating corrupt and dishonest government.
6. Good Governance: Media plays an important role in audit of the government policies and spending. An unbiased media is important for transparent reporting.
7. Accountability: Media ensure accountability of government by exposing bad state of democracy. This lead to questioning of government by the people leading to accountability and answerability.
8. Dissemination of government policies:Media is important for spreading and disseminating various government policies and initiatives. E.g. media played an important role in spreading awareness about Swachh Bharat and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

Challenges Faced by Media:

1. Fake News: Seen as a worldwide problem, the dissemination of unverified and false information to people especially through social media is reducing the credibility of the media.
2. Yellow Journalism: Sensationalisation of news items and ignoring the key issues like poverty and employment have dented the role of media in good governance.
3. Paid News: The media houses are alleged to favour a particular political party/person/organisation in exchange for some considerations.
4. Local Language Media: It is alleged that more masala news is promoted in the local media compared to the national media. Local correspondents often lack formal training and their sole qualification is their place of residence.

Suggestions:

1. Media Houses should follow the Media ethics in their functioning. The guidelines given by News Broadcasters Associations can be made mandatory in this regard.
2. Awareness generation among citizens to verify the information received from credible sources like the Press Information Bureau.
3. Promoting innovative tools like WhatsApp have restricted the number of forwards at one time for a particular message to curb spreading of fake news.

If the media are to function in the public interest, governments have to protect the independent functioning of the media and allow various viewpoints to flourish in society. The checks and balances which media ensures by reporting issues in an objective manner can go a long way in ensuring that governance by government would be fair and fruitful.