Nation wants to know Indian media's role in JNU coverage
The recent incident of alleged anti-Indian slogans in JNU and thereafter how some media channels have covered the whole incident without going much into the facts, have brought to forefront the issue of media ethics.
It is now said that some of the videos were doctored. But certain media channels without looking into this, kept on showing the video along with so much aggressive anchoring that it appeared to be a media trial.
We all in fact need to think what media role is and what they are doing actually. Media role is to promote discussion and debate, not scold. Its role is to ask questions, really very tough questions even, but not to abuse and scream.
In the last 10-15 days see how it has aggressively covered even with distorted facts and very high boiling anchoring and slamming everyone not conforming to their views as anti-national.
Media in fact helps to shape public opinion by bringing in diversity of views and opinions. But certain times, they instil such emotions in viewers that a crowd is ready to commit violence. How certain media channels tried to incite people can be seen with lawyer's lawlessness in the court and other certain incidence of violence. It can have serious repercussions for our country and society.
We want such a society where people live in peace and harmony. But if the public conscience keep simmering all the time and is ready to punish alleged criminals, this dream will never see the light of day.
Role of media is, however, very essential for a vibrant democracy. Democracy doesn't limit itself to just casting vote after every five years. Democracy actually means people's views and opinions to be listened to and accommodated thereby promoting their participation in the decision-making process. Media's role is very significant in this. It provides a platform for debate and brings diverse views to the fore, thereby helping in shaping public opinion.
It communicates government's schemes, programmes and other initiatives to all the people of India including poor and the needy one. It makes people aware of their rights and entitlements so that they can demand it. It also brings various wrongdoings by the government to light and thereby enforces accountability. We have seen people claiming the streets against corruption. How it could that have happened without the media support?
But we have also seen that media at times doesn't understand its critical role for the society. We still remember how Indian media was criticised for its role in covering the disastrous Nepal earthquake which instilled anti-India sentiments in the neighbour, in spite of India's huge contribution through Operation Maitri. It questions the ethics of media profession.
UK has strong law against defamation with huge financial damages and the media channels are also held accountable accordingly. However, government 's regulation could also be viewed as curbing the freedom of press which it enjoys under Article 19(1)(a) of Indian Constitution.
But even this freedom has reasonable restrictions, one of which includes incitement to violence. So in such cases even the media channels should be prosecuted if the aggressive showcasing of a doctored tape results in incitement of violence.
Moreover the media itself should restrain itself and go by the values and ethics practised in the profession, only then can the media along with civil society hold the government accountable and thus, strengthen the democratic fabric of the country.