The status quo of journalistic ethics was broken by none other than the vitriolic, insensitive media once again! And this time too, it did more harm than good to India-Pakistan relations. Instead of a balanced, rational reportage, what we (the readers, viewers) got served was sheer irresponsible journalism, a crass misrepresentation about how significant its role should be as the ‘fourth pillar of democracy’.
Post the unfortunate Pulwama attack, media showed no restraint in declaring their respective brands of patriotism, nationalism, blurring the lines, while proudly flag-waving jingoism. The incidents that followed after the Pulwama attack, provided the vantage points for us to be keen observers.
More than the political parties, the media had got its fodder for the week and following months, to make ‘high-pitched debates’ with ‘warlike graphics’ being played in the background. Not only this, some (not all of them) even went to the extent of war-mongering scripts for higher TRPs. This doesn’t stop there. It has been like this for a long time. Even before our politicians and bureaucrats could come up with some response, it is the TV channels (I reiterate not all, but yes, most of them) that take the stride and define the narrative that is going to reach you and me.
My question is simple- why does media need to stoop down to such war-mongering, malignant tactics? Don’t they have any duty to show some restraint, especially in such sensitive issues/matters? And we are a country where people hardly think before acting, where the spontaneity to commit some wrongdoing is triggered easily with social media messages, without even confirming their authenticity. Considering all this and a lot more, shouldn’t our dear media execute its sacred duty, if at all, of maintaining poise and restraint in reporting such news?
To think about it, the task is not a huge burden to bear. We need to realize the very fact that honest reporting is not about skillfully-crafted scripts, headlines that pop out eye-balls, belligerent tones, loud and seemingly forceful debates; we only want to be informed about what’s going on in the nation? It is the duty to inform right, feed right to the citizens.
Media, to a great extent, decides the narrative based on which citizens form their opinion and perspectives, which in turn lead to our choices of politicians and government, who sit in the Parliament and decide our fates. It is not about baking the bread for people, it is about their future. In a democracy, we enjoy Fundamental Rights to speak our mind and heart out. But what becomes of these rights bestowed upon us? We have become so instinctive, regardless of whatever is being shown that we end up believing it. But again, it is not the people who are to blame, the people working in media should realize this bitter truth!
From what all I saw on television made me come to the conclusion that our media is in dire need of some good ethics classes, (if not preaching moral science). Probably, some revision on dos and don’ts of communication, for example, the ‘7 Cs of Communication’. How can the citizens believe you, dear media, when all they get is just catchy headlines? We don’t need yellow journalism, but a fair, equitable, impartial reporting of events/news is what we need!
At a time when technology is making groundbreaking innovations, our media should try to be more balanced, engage its audience/readers, inform us right, make the best use of social media in pioneering a new face of Indian journalism, that can be trusted and is highly valued, not only in the country by its citizens but the world over. And we can do it, all we need is some thoughtful consideration!