September 15 is marked as the Day of Democracy. Celebrating a day with a particular theme makes us concerned about the vulnerability and strength of the topic. The Day of Democracy means a lot for the world’s largest democratic country, India. Specifically, it’s to focus on the fourth estate of democracy e.i. media and journalism which influence the motion of our nation in every flow.
Shantasree Sarkar who quit the Republic TV recently wrote on Twitter, “I was taught #journalism to unearth the truth. In #shushant case, I was asked to take out details of everything but not the truth. As I investigated, sources close to both families agreed #Sushant was suffering from depression. Of course, it didn’t suit the #Republic agenda.”
I was taught #journalism to unearth truth. In #shushant case, I was asked to take out details of everything but not truth. As I investigated, sources close to both families agreed #Sushant was suffering from depression. Ofcourse it didn't suit #Republic agenda.
— Shantasree Sarkar (@sarkarshanta) September 8, 2020
Yes, a true journalist can’t compromise with the duty, lesson and oath of ‘journalism to unearth the truth.’ So, has it happened that somehow, journalism with its real sense and action is partially dead in India? Media is the ‘third eye’ to the government and a transparent mirror for people. To quote: Media “should highlight the positive aspects and provide solutions to difficult aspects through nationwide consultations.” Unfortunately, the Indian media has failed to go with these qualities. That’s why it’s alive only in name.
Media is the mean of mass communication. The large mass of India puts its trust in this medium. However, when media groups move their attention from the real issues, the trust of people is substituted for betrayal. The recent dramatic activities of media can be analysed that way.
In Sushant’s case, everything gained their eye except justice for Sushant. Media gained profit and high TRP rates. People were distracted from corresponding critical issues like the falling GDP, inflation, loss of jobs, students’ matters and deteriorating health-care, etc. Someone became the scapegoat.
Media is involved in these bad activities due to their inclination to the benefiting side. ‘Both sides of the story’ is turned by this ‘sold’ media into ‘pro and opposition.’ They are scared to unfold anything against the pro-party and are forever curious to disseminate things against this self-made opposition. Another core cause for this one-sided media is the suppression of authorities. It has been a long-living tyranny.
Media hasn’t died in India at all. It’s still living. Nationwide populated media channels may be scared and sold and might have become the lapdogs of power and benefit. They are a puppet to pro-party. However, the journalism of people is on its way. A number of independent media groups work hard to safeguard the duty. They are threatened, beaten and restricted. Still, they stand with the truth to reach out to people and speak out for democracy.