The fourth pillar..

In countries which claim to have stability in functioning, have various departments working in tandem and taking good corrective measures, if one of the pillars falters. In India we have independent legislative, executives and judiciary vested with their respective power. These three pillars have always successfully been performing their duty with one of these intervening in other’s affair when it feel that the decisions are not taken in public’s interest. Even then there is a safety watch handed over to a vigil team to protect the interest of common people. This is supposed protector and act as a watchdog, is supposed to look after the mischief the other three pillars. But what is this fourth invisible pillar goes berserk? What if it just goes on to perform every task other than the prime objective?

There have been many instances when the invisible pillar i.e. the media fraternity has brought down governments like the alleged involvement of Washington Post in bringing down Nixon’s government. Not very long, we have witnessed the enormous opposition of past government of India which was blamed to have been involved in numerous corruptions. The job of media was commendable in bringing out these black deeds which was ruining India’s reputation worldwide and diminishing the national exchequer. One must admire such efforts which I constructive and helping the cause of nation’s progress and a common man’s benefits.  Coverage on situation risking lives like the one on wars, or sting operations are nothing short of appreciative work and it garners huge respect.

So, when is the hero playing the role of a villain? Or why is it doing so?  It has always performed its duty will be a prevarication from the truth. Media is mainly a private sector industry in which it does all sort of things to amass revenue. The biggest revenue source is advertisement and it receives advertisements based on its TRP that is generates. To achieve higher TRPs it tries to present news which is received by most of the masses. In order to do that it sometimes sensationalizes the news. Many a times, an important but less glamorous news is put on hold to give priority to less important but more glamorous news.

I just want task a question to national new channels and it is directed to all the houses – what is the use of showing “sas bahu revisions’ on your channels? Aren't they polluting the entertainment channels already? You miss out rape cases in distant villages, graft cases at lower level but you never miss a kiss of an actor or a six hit in a gully cricket. Where does your sports oriented time slot vanish when India plays S. Korea in Ajlan Shah Hockey championship or national kabaddi team goes out to win the world cup? It is high time to introspect and revamp the strategy that makes you present the right blend of news which is actually beneficial.

Another problem that I consider is the sensationalizing the new. Just a couple of days back, Gen V.K. Singh sarcastically commented that his visit to Pakistan High Commission the other day was more important that visiting Yemen to save Indian expatriates. The statement was reported as on a serious note by a very popular Indian news reader. My question is – doesn’t he understand the difference between sarcasm and a factual statement. Had V.K Singh not been serious about the rescue operation, he would not have visited in person. I have no recollection about any of the previous ministers going on a mission like that. Another question is – if you are given a mike and a satellite power, it does not give you a right to take out your personal vendetta against somebody. Mr, Aranab Goswami, a sincere request. If you are good for nothing then it is more suited to glue your lips and never speak a word which will more harm than good. You are nothing but trying to demoralize the constructive work.

In my opinion, the media must have a proper regulation, but without the involvement of the government. The media house should revamp their strategy which churns out quality news and not any action thriller movie. Your file photos or videos don’t even seem relent to audio sometimes. Try to look within and compare yourselves with international media houses like BBC, CNN, Al Jazira etc.

The time will not be far when you will disenchant your viewers who in turn will stop believing your precarious lies. It high time that I quote my marketing professor JK - “Sudahr jao warna Udhar jao”.