There is a lot to talk about as so many controversies kept buzzing on
print and digital space when I was away from this blog past few weeks. But
one controversy that boggled me and stood out amidst all the sensation in media
was the recent video of two sisters from Rohtak,
thrashing up two men for alleged sexual assault while travelling in a
bus! Needles to say, it went viral within seconds and what followed was
nothing new but yet another proof that Indian media has lost the plot
completely.
Soon after the above mentioned video went viral on social media and the
news channels jumped the conclusions declaring the sisters as "brave
hearts", the Haryana government announced to honour the two sisters on the
occasion of Republic day. And like it always happens, the incident triggered
spontaneous ire from women rights activists, with National Commission for Women
chairperson Lalitha Kumarmangalam asking the authorities to take appropriate
action against the accused. Nothing wrong with all this, if the said video
narrates truth and the story has been checked for authenticity before
broadcast. The day after this sad incident, there were twists in the tale where
a few video clippings and statements of the eye witnesses putting a big
question mark on credibility of the "victims".
The impudence and superficiality of Indian media seems to have taken
toll on independent, resourceful and honest journalism. The saddest part is
that it is losing its credibility in its chase for "being first to present
the news". The Indian media is sadly turning into instant views churning
machines without taking pain of doing relevant homework. Watch any news
channel and it seems courts have shifted to media with carefully crafted
rhetoric and curators of the speeches by Mr. Arnab Goswami and his clan playing
role of prosecutor, jury and judge; pronouncing judgments on 24/7
breaking news, setting a very dangerous precedent. The real amusement
in this whole charade is the notion of "we are cleaning up the system by
purging it of rot," which in reality turns the media into lynch mob inciting anger and instigating people. Oh and nothing can work as effectively
as virtuous anger for TRP! And there is always a stiff competition to appear
"socially responsible". Facebook, twitter, re-tweets, +1, signature
campaigns and candle lit march/walks....oh, there are multiple options these
days to find catharsis for our collective conscience.
Outrage and zero tolerance for any crime are the first steps towards
creating awareness about serious issues that we, as Nation are facing. The way
to address them is by participating in constructive discussions and
working towards finding real solutions. In cases like Rohtak sisters, the
media coverage came across as biased, inadequate, sensational, inaccurate,
unfair, misleading, irresponsible and damaging. The approach of the coverage
reminded me of blood thirsty hounds! Can we stop losing our balance and learn
to be careful about not punishing the innocents please?
We, as Nation can't allow Mr. Arnab Goswami and his fraternity to use
weapon of trial by media and flash it as medals of distinction! My concern over this growing frenzy is that we could
end up sabotaging power of media which is crucial for any healthy democracy. I
hope Mr. Arnab Goswami takes a pause from his theatrics of strutting and
screaming and for a change listens to what he has been saying/doing all this
while. Will Indian media learn investigative reporting Mr.Arnab
Goswami? The Nation needs to know!
