Judiciary, Legislature, Executive and Press, the so called four pillars of Democracy with the Press acting as a control mechanism to the former three and keeping them in check (that’s the expectation).
Recently, a Journo and her media house took on a hapless blogger and served him a legal notice for exercising freedom of speech and commenting on their reporting during 26/11,
what a mega crime the poor guy did….he chose to speak his mind..didn’t he know that its the Journo’s prerogative, you say anything against them and guess what ….they will sue you.
Its laughable more than surprising to hear such a charge being leveled by Media, specially the electronic media, that never misses an opportunity to express “its opinion” on any issue rather than the issue itself ….may it be a domestic squabble or mating habits of cats & dogs or singing paeans of the new Prez of US (I heard some band singing ” ओबामा ओबामा, तुने कर दियाहंगामा“ on TV….. wtf).
How often do we see a chat show with the host of the show taking sides and panning a hapless participant who not only has to fend with his opponents but also has to deal with a hostile host.
Then comes the “exclusive footage” available with all the news channels featuring the vandals either at a railway station or a pub or any place on earth, and our reporter friends are always there to capture each and every move…what a coincidence….(well I am confused…the vandals did live coverage & reporting or the reporter did live vandalizing….)
I always assumed that the media is supposed to bring out the complete picture rather than giving its own shades and colors to the story.
May be I got it wrong….May be media is just another business….may be………..
===============================
The basis of my assumptions was the Preamble of code of ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists, that states:
“….public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy.The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility”
===============================
Well said.
Nothing cheeses me off more than irresponsible reporting , and the fact that the media has become more of a production house like Balaji for sensationalizing events rather than stick to actual reporting.