ROLE OF MEDIA IN CREATING AWARENESS ON RTI AMONG CHENNAI RESIDENTS

The Right to Information (RIT) ACT,2005 is a powerful tool that enables Indian citizens to access government records and demand transparency. However, for RTI Act to be effective people must be aware of their rights and how to exercise them. The study examines the level of awareness of the RTI Act among the people of Chennai in the age group of 18-25 and role of media in influencing this awareness. Despite its potential, awareness and utilization of the RTI Act remain uneven across different regions and demographic groups. This study investigates the role of media in creating awareness about the RTI Act among residents of Chennai, a metropolitan city with diverse populations and a strong media presence. The research adopts a quantitative approach, employing a structured questionnaire distributed among a purposively selected sample of Chennai residents. The survey assesses respondents’ level of awareness about RTI, their media consumption habits, and the extent to which media content—across television, newspapers, social media, and online platforms—has influenced their understanding and perception of the Act. Adopting a quantitative research approach, the study utilizes a structured survey questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. By focusing on Chennai as the geographic context, the research aims to explore the intersection of media influence and public awareness in an urban Indian setting. The findings are expected to contribute to the understanding of how media functions not only as an information source but also as a potential catalyst for civic participation and empowerment. The study will also offer practical insights for media professionals, educators, and policymakers seeking to enhance public awareness and utilization of the RTI Act through strategic communication efforts.