The art of news reading - part-II

Newsgathering is not a easy job. Especially the sensitive one's. Journalism is under constant criticism, and the task of journalists covering the news in war zones is becoming a much more dangerous business. More and more, journalists are being killed or subjected to violence, illegal detention, threats or intimidation. In India any political news is like covering a war zone. In case of Nandigram, what the Newspapers could report, the Television could not. Pictures create more impact than letters. And the communists in Bengal successfully blocked all routes to the war zone. What is surprising is no channel is complaining. When I asked a senior journalist from CNN-IBN in a Live chat as to why no access for media in free India while they are able to cover news in martial Pakistan, he bluntly answered 'what to do they are not allowing'. I am not amazed by the reply but amused.

India is changing fast. The politicians of today are gutsier and openly connive with criminals to achieve their means. They are also outspoken and do not think twice in openly performing these misdeeds. Many parties own Television Channels unlike newspapers. Television is a far-reaching media and is very effective communicator. Many Elections have been won just by Televisions, either by manipulating opinions or opinion polls. There is a talk of censor ship, which will give more teeth for the politicians to direct the way news is broad cased. The draft of the Broadcast Bill, prepared by a sub-panel of a 30-member committee overseen by I&B secretary SK Arora, which hints at stringent content regulation, particularly for news channels. If Okayed by lawmakers in its present state, it could well be the end of sting operations and coverage of issues where high profile politicians and personalities are involved.

Forty years back no one would have had the guts of the present West Bengal chief minister to openly advocate that it is fair to take law in to your own hands, if it is for giving back in the same coin. Revenge has been made law by buddadeb. Yes if he is not taken to court for his irresponsible statement tomorrow a person who commits revenge can argue by citing this open remark by an administrator.

Is the job of Media to report whatever as it is and leave it there or to analyze and aid law? When the politicians of today are openly recruiting white-sheeters and when many criminals or shaded people are winning elections, is it because of failure of Indian media? Responsible Television channels should have a common platform to address these issues. If they are prohibited from airing an event because of some national interest it is fine. If not they should have a ready and swift mechanism to counter it and give the news. If we fail in this, this country has no great future. In many states today the chief ministers are acting as if it is their kingdom. In a fair democracy only the courts and Press can check this. And the courts need the help of the press. If not now tomorrow will be late.

Three employees of the Tamil-language daily Dinakaran were killed in an attack on the newspaper’s offices in Tamil Nadu on May 9 2007. Twelve people were arrested and if I am not mistaken most of them must be out on bail. And their mentor is soon going to be a minister or some vvvvip. Three television journalists were assaulted this month in Bihar by a politician and four of his associates after they had gone to the politician’s residence to seek his reaction in connection with a case of rape and murder of a woman.
Why the press is mute to such incidents. I am not blaming any particular party because no one is different in this.

It is not that they do not have common forums. In July 2007 Indian channels formed News Broadcasters Association (NBA) and as per their first secretary-general, the association has been set up to help create and nurture an environment in which news broadcasters can best serve audiences and contribute to the development and diversity of the country. But are we seeing anything in our sight? . They also have IBF (Indian Broadcast Federation) and many other forums. But none have the teeth to bite. What we need today is some one like Goenka in the television world of India. They should become reasonably powerful. They should be law abiding and fearless. Only then the path for the future will be perfect. Continued...