Well, first things first…as a journalist’s daughter, I have always held the deepest regards for honest, unbiased and just journalists. Yet…ironically enough, as a journalist’s daughter, I also know that not every journalist is worthy of our time and attention, let alone our respect. You see…several years ago (when media meant ‘print’ and when journalists were more concerned with news than their wardrobe), an eminent journalist once said to me, and I quote — “The only honest thing that you read in a newspaper is an advertisement.”
While admittedly, we may argue whether he was being too cynical…the unadulterated truth still remains that we must read the newspapers and watch the news, with a pinch of salt. For you see, when it comes to news…it can never ever be untainted with biases and prejudices. Why? For the plain and simple reason that be it news and/or views, they are invariably written by warm-blooded humans, who themselves come with their own set of prejudices and biases.
Of course, this is not the only battle being fought in the credibility space when it comes to the Indian media. When we move to electronic media — aka the news channels, there are reasons galore as to why the Indian Media (especially the electronic media) simply can’t be trusted…and it has got nothing to do with the fact that we are all indeed flawed humans…or maybe it is! In fact, according to a survey released by the World Economic Forum, the Indian media was ranked as the second most untrusted institution in the world.
Of course, the Indian media did not achieve this feat lightly…In fact, let us see how the Indian media actually went on to win this great dishonour
A Journalist or An Amanuensis?
First of all…let’s understand the distinction between the two terms before we begin unraveling the truth. You see, an amanuensis is a person who has been employed to write/type what another dictates. A journalist on the other hand “clearly” differs from an amanuensis! How? Well, for his/her writing to qualify as journalism, he/she must have no vested interest in the topic being written about.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the Indian media…vested interests are aplenty! Whether it is news of corruption in the media or political kickbacks, the recent scandals involving journalists have left a bitter taste in people’s mouth, putting a permanent dent in the credibility of the Indian media. Take for instance, the Nira Radia tapes that shockingly showcased how someone who was thought a journalist (aka Vir Sanghvi) was actually no better than an amanuensis. In fact, in a recent development in the AgustaWestland ‘Chopper Scam’, the CBI is all set to investigate the Indian journalists, who received bribes (amounting to 50 crores) from the Italy-based helicopter company. So much for honest journalism!
Tabloidisation of News and TRP Wars
Unfortunately, when it comes to the Indian media…it is not solely about money or kickbacks. Sometimes it is just about viewership, airtime and seeing your face on TV. The biggest problem that is currently plaguing the Indian media (for which the viewer bears the brunt) is the in-fighting that has come at the heels of an all-out TRP war. In fact, the media channel and their personnel seem to be more interested in taking a pot shot at each other than hard-hitting news pieces. In fact, this journalistic jealousy has made journalists lose their journalistic focus, with each using the screen as his/her personal billboard, with little regard for news or views.
Mountains Out Of Molehills
Last but not the least…the strange habit of Indian media where it makes mountains out of molehills has proved to be the final nail on its credibility coffin. Be it the intolerance issue or human poop falling from the sky…the Indian media never fails to titillate and tickle our funny bones. Whether you’re looking for the cave where Ram and Sita slept close to each other or the doorstep to the heavens, each of these news channels seem to possess all the answers…of course, credibility is not one of them!
