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Media and perceived self-importance

Last Updated 03 April 2014, 18:22 IST

It is sometimes difficult to understand whether the media is with the politician or exposing the politician.

The media has received a lot of attention lately. For once, it has come into the spotlight where it is always pleased to place others. 

Instead of making news, it has become the news itself. This should not come as a surprise in this season of electing a new government. It is the season for commenting, baiting, mud slinging and worse. 

Political leaders turn into soap box orators and indulge in free for all speeches, intimidating rivals with innuendos. All this is grist for news makers who do not hesitate to add their own bit of sarcasm and exaggeration to make the whole exercise more “news worthy.”

If the print media gleefully sensationalises these events and political gymnastics with brash reporters ready to take on the world and its affairs, the electronic media has the added advantage of displaying lurid visuals to add colour and excitement to their shrill, ear splitting offering of “breaking news.” Talk shows, interviews and debates are offered to viewers with strident commentaries by animated anchors who seem sure they can make or break governments. It is a field day for news makers and news breakers. 

But, all good things must come to an end. This time, it came in the form of retaliation. The political leaders of different parties came miraculously together against one common enemy – the news-maker. While some told him politely not to indulge in this free-for-all kind of journalism, others were not so polite. The journalists, however, took it all in their stride and continued their mission with added zeal until one leader threatened to shut them up in jail if his party came into power. This not only infuriated the media, but it also gave ample opportunity for some more ear-splitting, breaking news in all the TV channels. 

Perhaps, the time has come for us journalists to introspect. Instead of venting against the puerile remark of the leader in question, the media would do well to turn the searchlight on itself for a change. As a very senior journalist pointed out, the media has “lost its moral compass.” This is a sad commentary on an organisation which boasted of high ethical standards half a century ago. It was the media in this country that won several historical battles with its vibrant, courageous and yes, honest journalism. During the heady pre-independence years, the homely newspaper became a messenger to forge links between jailed leaders and the public.

Stirring hate

It would hardly be an exaggeration to say that the media played as vital a role in ending colonialism in India as the freedom fighters themselves. Gandhi was a fine example of news making. His lucid style of presenting facts, combined with his professional integrity, carried news to every nook and corner of the country to unite the people.

 Today, seventy years later, we have travelled a long way. We have made the newspaper a conduit for stirring hate, divisive politics or worse. It is sometimes difficult to understand whether the media is with the politician or exposing the politician. The roles often get blurred. If the critics of corruption are themselves unethical, if the opponents of falsehood are themselves guilty of doublespeak, if those who live in glass houses dare throw stones at others, then the time has come to take stock of the situation and correct ourselves before judging others. 

Why did the media go berserk when a politician made some thoughtless remark? The over-reaction of TV channels to immature statements by politicians has exposed the media and its inability to face criticism. What makes journalists think that they, and they alone, can comment, criticise and condemn? Have they taken the role of being society’s watchdogs too seriously?

Why do they wish to be in a position where they can hurl stones without fear of retaliation? As media representatives themselves spoke out in a seminar recently, the over-reaction of the media in the present instance is laughable. When journalists have no qualms about misleading the reader /viewer by distorting the news through exaggeration/omission of facts, or by manipulating visual shots in the case of televised news to sensationalise the same, why be hyper-sensitive to criticism themselves? 

If journalists impose strict standards of honesty and integrity on themselves, it matters little what others think of them. This is one profession that needs introspection and self regulation more than any other. True, the buck finally stops at the editor’s table. But, the news maker owes it to himself or herself to be accurate for the sake of credibility. It is a profession where you can make or mar your career. You don’t require a politician to put you in jail for your lapses. You can create the hell yourself. So, all this anger and resentment over the so called “attack” on journalists is not only unnecessary. It plainly confirms that the watchdog does not want to be watched.

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(Published 03 April 2014, 18:22 IST)

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