I still remember the times we used to sit and watch news at 7 AM and 9 PM in Doordarshan channel and a Lady clad in sari or a man wearing shirt and tie used to be the newsreaders and tell us what is happening in the world. Just two or three pointers they used to have but those were apt pointers. Newspapers also used to be short and crisp and be a detailed version of the news bulletin as well as about local events. News had some value and weightage unlike the current times. In the Indian history, the media, be it in any form has been recognized as the most influential, patriotic and trustworthy source of information in the socio, economic and political setup of the nation.
Media is considered as the fourth pillar of the Indian Democracy and forms an integral part to serve its purpose of spreading the correct and apt information from the happenings to the public at large. The other important pillars are the Judiciary, the Legislative,and the Executive. The former ones maintain a system of checks and balances in Indian democracy. Whereas the latter that is the Media is the most powerful entity on the earth as it can make a nation or destroy it completely. It ensures transparency in all the three systems of the democracy. It’s like a mirror that shows the real side. It makes us aware of the various social, economic and political issues that surround us in the country. With a number of new channels of media, newspapers and social media platforms which provides us the most accurate news covering all the types, it is now a puppet of polarized and paid politics. I do not only want to blame politics but religious dominance also puts up a blanket on the authenticity of the news showered upon us. As said by someone popular, “What the mass media offers is not popular art, but entertainment which is intended to be consumed like food, forgotten and replaced by a new dish.”. No doubt its losing its charm, significance as well as purpose.
The lock down days have made me realize so many things about media (be it in any form print or digital):
- It has lost its purpose of existence
- Pointless news on pointless topics
- Dragging news topics in Prime slots and not giving adequate space for other topics
- There are so many positive and negative issues grappling the society, media should debate more on those issues and not digress from the main topic
- Differentiate between breaking news and news
So, the whole crux of my blog was to remind the media and all of us to be compassionate and responsible citizens of the country. I also have the following points to ponder:
- Media should act responsibly. Besides their TRP hunger they should give focus on issues which are prime importance to India on their Prime slots
- One cannot ignore this dark reality that paid and sell out media does not exist but we can make them more accountable by asking them their sellout ideology and make them realize that this is not the way journalism works
- Hounding, Vilifying and Targeting innocent people on the basis of race,sex,political ideology and other factors must stop and Govt. must promulgate the laws to make it a reality
- We must make Media realize that they must draw a line when the news debate goes on our Cultural identity, Nationalism, National security and items of National importance
In a conclusion, we should understand that there should be line of limit drawn everywhere, be it print, digital or online media forms. Also, its a message for the common masses to use their logic and understanding before reacting to everything. We all are very good individuals as well as responsible citizens of the country, lets build it organically and keep its sanctity alive. Lets concentrate on immediate and urgent issues which require our attention so that we contribute towards a healthy and better India. Lets build a better ideology and thought process via media. Also be aware of fake news going around you!!
InkTheBlog 