Dying Media

Freedom of press is insured under Article 19(1)(a) which deals with ‘Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech’ but is our press really free? The Land of Truth where newspapers like ‘Keshari’ of Lokmaniya Tilak, ‘Young India’ of Gandhi aroused the feelings of Nationalism and fought for the Plight of Farmers suffering from Fifty Four types of Taxes under British Raj. How could anyone believe that not even a single ‘Media House’ of such a country is in Top 500 TV channels of the world? Aren’t the journalism already dead in our country?

Media is considered as fourth pillar of Democracy after Legislative, Executive and Judiciary. I am certain that it is a foreign concept because Television Media is just a puppetry show in India. In last year’s Media reports analysis it was mentioned that renowned News channels like Aajtak has broadcasted more than 6 debates on India vs Pakistan and Hindu-Muslim issues out of 10 debates which clearly propounds that they have concentrated themselves to these two irrelevant issues just to propagate political Agenda of ruling party. Seeing all this no wonder India got 142th rank in Global Press Freedom Index.

In 1950, the Supreme Court of India in Romesh Thappar vs State of Madras observed that freedom of Press lay foundation of all democratic organizations. Is it the reality? Of course not its just a fancy statement (chuckles). When I first watched a TV channel it was long ago in 2000 when News reader of DD National at 8 o’clock late Mrs. Neelam Sharma used to read the daily News. Communication Technology evolved and with that media also and an era of comprehending(teaching) the News started through debates along with the popular ‘Investigative reporting’, i call it the golden Era of Indian Media. Then started the next phase (recession of Media) in India where Circus started on the News channels, i call it ‘TRP Tandav’ and it made the TV Channels a business. Fourth Pillar of Democracy perhaps had Suicide in this continuing era where Game of Making or creating a news for TRP and Politics is at the acme.

Have our forefathers fought against the restraining acts like Vernacular Press Act, 1799 for this day? The torch they blew once for mobilizing people by creating popular public opinion is now used for sole purpose of political agenda. Haven’t the people become slaves of Kings (few politicians) again? In my opinion democracy in India is a form of Monarchy which just have evolved itself and Media is the engine of this process. Media in India has not only forgotten its duties but also the sole purpose of its creation.  

An old Hindi movie dialogue “Jab-jab es dharti par atank chhaya h koi na koi bachane wala paida ho hi gya h’ similar concept lies in western history with the name of ‘Renaissance’. I believe the e-Media or digital media is going to be the Renaissance for the Indian media although it has its own limitations but still perhaps the best hope.  

Lastly what is the characteristics of best suited Media House? It must be isolated from the Political influence, never have the opportunistic politicians on debates, cover wide range of News and debate, collaborate with organizations like ISRO to inculcate innovation in children, cover news related to Competitive Exams and must research on the news before delivering. Indian Public have no intention to watch a single debate whole day, but do they have any option? In the end my suggestion is- in a representative democracy Media must fulfill its core purpose of analyzing the working of three pillars of the democracy and put forward the issues of common man or community on the National Stage to provide them ‘Justice’.