4/3/16
Dear Sirs,
We have all been concerned about the goings on in the domain of media-whether print or audio/video specially the so called news channels which have become in effect propaganda tools in the hands of politicians in moulding public opinion or business houses settling scores against rivals. The rot has set-in at all levels-the owners/managers,Editors and journalists/anchors. The journalists have become propagandists with no professional qualifications,deep study of the subject and above all ethics. I may quote Mah. Aurobindo Ghose on this sub ject,the remarks he made on the passing away of Romesh Chandra Dutt in 1909-
" ORIGINALITY AND DEEP THOUGHTS are not required of a journLIST,NOR DELICACY,NOR SUBTELITY; HIS SUCCESS WOULD BE LIMITED RATHER THAN ASSISTED BY SUCH QUALITIES. TO SIEZE VICTORIOUSLY ON THE AVAILABLE MATERIALS, CTCH IN THEM WHAT WILL BE INTERESTING AND EFFECTIVE AND PUT IT BRIGHTLY AND CLEARLY, THIS IS THE DHARMA OF A JOURNALIST., AND IF WE ADD THE POWER OF MAKING THE MOST OF A CASE AND ENFORING A GIVEN VIEW WITH IRRESISTIBLE ENERGY,DEXTERITY AN APPARENT UNANSWERABLENESS, WE SHALL HAVE ADDED ALL THAT IS NECESSARY TO TURN THE JOURNALIST INTO THE PAMPHLETEER."
These remarks were made at a time when there were not Televisions and anchors but how true they sound about journalists turning into pamphleteers and we all know what is the job of a pamphleteer.
So now what should the Govt. or civil society to stem the rot. Individually I and you can do nothing except give vent to our anger and frustration
but collectively through court intervention and putting pressure on the Govt. some checks and code of conduct can be enforced.
There is PIL pending in the Supreme Court about TV showing excessive crime,violence and sex since 2000 and the ball is with Ministry fo Information and broadcasting.But nothing so far as the news channels are concerned.
Sh. Purobi Ghse has mentioned about the Press Council of India and News Broadcasting Stadard Authority who should really be concerned about sorry state of Affairs but they are doing precious little to enforce some code of conduct though they have been charged with this duty under the Press Council Act of 1978.Members are mostly drawn from the media except the Chairman and 5 members of Parliament. The Council seems to be obssesively concerned with indendence of press than anything else. The Chairman at one time had floated the idea of journalists having some prescribed qualifications, but nothing came of it as well (as far as I know).
News Broadcasting Standards Authority gives an impression of having some legal authority but it is only an association of media people.
All news channels show that a complaint can be filed with NBCA which will only be an eyewash.
If we look back at the time when this sector was freed,it is clear the some multinationals and indian industrialists had created an atmosphere that competition will be good. It has certainly turned out to be good for those vested interest with profit motive.
In my opinion the Govt. will have to intervene and create a regulatory authority for enforcing some disciple instead of treating it as a holy cow. Freedom of press does not mean free for all.Regds
Sent: Wednesday, March 2, 2016 11:13 PM
To: indiaresists@lists.riseup.net
Subject: Re: [IAC#RG] Sorry state of media in India
D.S.Ranga Rao
8379813275
channels pickup a issue for discussion immediately,without fact
finding,to grab & raise the TRP.The expressions & words of the anchor
reflects the view of the
T V channel.Viewers sometimes feel aghast after viewing,the other day,
another channel on the issue.The TRP raising competition be
discouraged.
D.C.Verma
Former Judge &
Vice-Chairman (Retd)
Central Administrative Tribunal
On Sun, Feb 28, 2016 at 10:57 PM, Hariharan Pillai <hariateco@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi to all,
>
> Mr. Purobi Goshi is right, please treat it is a serious matter to the
> country.It is ashamed to watch the T.V chaneels, News papers now a days,
> really wasting time and money for such. There should be some regulatory body
> to monirtor.
>
> Regards
>
> Hari
>
>
> On Sun, Feb 28, 2016 at 9:39 AM, Purobi Ghosh Mohan <cgsi09@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>>
>> Dear friends,
>>
>> I read and watch with unease the state of media in our country today.
>>
>> Most of those from the fraternity opine, don't report, with scant research
>> to back them up. They are driven by a herd mentality.
>>
>> Senior journalists write/speak on issues at random and keep silent on many
>> other critical stories which they should be writing/speaking on. Some are
>> heavily dictated by their publication/channel leanings or their private
>> interests.
>>
>> The media creates hype at will, distorts stories and gives a handle to
>> those with vested interests. The partisan news and views influence
>> politicians, judiciary and legislating bodies.
>>
>> I understand that the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) is a
>> private body and not a legal entity. The Press Club of India (PCI) is a
>> legal body and but yet to widen scope. The new Press Registration and Books
>> (PRB) Act, also, is yet to be passed. It still runs on the 1867 Act.
>>
>> Such a situation poses immense threat to the nation and to the populace.
>>
>> It is necessary to raise our voices against this situation and bring the
>> authenticity of news to an even keel. Something needs to be done.
>>
>> Regards
>>
>> Purobi Ghosh Mohan
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
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