Random Thoughts on Random Words - Day 14 News

 

"So what is the news today?" 

"What, you father fell down the stairs? but that was last week! what is new?  News is all about new information." 

Yes, news connotes "new", some say influenced by the French word "Nouveau", the plural form of which is "Nouvelles" meaning new. Before the 14^th century, English speakers  used the word “tidings” which  more or less meant the “announcement of an event”. There has been a popular  myth  as well that the word "News" is derived from the four cardinal directions of north, east, west and south. In a lighter vein it has been said that "When a dog bites a man it is not news. It is news when a man bites a dog." The more democratic a society, the more news and information it tends to have. In fact, in a democracy the freedom of  the press is held to be the fourth pillar, the other pillars being the legislature, executive and the judiciary. I had written a poem on the importance of the four pillars titled "Placement of Pillars" ( https://rajeevianlinesandverses.blogspot.com/2020/08/placement-of-pillars.html )

Information about current events is made available in the form of news through various sources such as  word of mouth, print media, the radio, television, electronic communication/internet/ social media, testimony of observers and witnesses to events. News keeps us informed of the changing events, issues or matters relating to prominent personalities. Although the news may be interesting and entertaining its primary value is that it keeps us updated and informed. There has been a change in the style and manner news is disseminated over the years in line with multiple options thrown up by the media and technology. 

The Paparazzi have become more aggressive even causing death of celebrities, the demise of princess Diana, is an instance.  The advent of television in the news space and the pressure to retain and surpass TRP ratings has resulted in more and more aggressive tactics adopted by TV channels  that border on unethical practices. Today, the advancement in technology has made it possible to get access to news instantly through twitter, Instagram and  Facebook or through news applications on one's phone. Of course, these developments also come with it the issues of credibility and dependability; with lot of personal views and prejudices being passed off as "News". 

I remember at one time, the Hindu newspaper in India was respected for its reputation for providing  'authentic' news. "If it has come in the Hindu, it should be true" was the general feeling among readers. While others rushed to be the first kid  on the block to come out with a sensational news, the Hindu chose to double check before publishing, as a matter of policy. Even derisive remarks of  being called  a  prudish middle aged spinster did not deter the newspaper  from adhering to its policy of  credibility first. 

Contrast that with what is happening today!  With the dominance of the electronic media and the television, the print media has been relegated to the background. Basic journalistic ethics are ignored and when a  story is reported, both sides are not given a fair and just opportunity to state their side . Television channels tend to play the role of the accuser, prosecutor, jury and the judge in what has come to be  described as  the notorious "Media trials."

 All this is allowed to happen, even when a matter is pending before the judiciary for a decision (Subjudice). Many of the anchors reporting these days from their studios  have never  stepped out of their air conditioned comfort to ascertain the real picture on the ground.  We see them shouting and howling all the time and not facilitating a healthy discussion.I had written a poem "Guy in the studio" vexed by the behaviour and  antics of the anchors in the studio ( https://rajeevianlinesandverses.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-guy-in-studio.html )

The five core principles of journalism namely (1) Truth and accuracy (2) Independence  (3)  Fairness and impartiality (4) Humanity and (5) Accountability are being increasingly compromised. Journalists are taking sides and peddling news that they know to be untrue, even as they report it. They seem to have lost all sense of shame! This is sad when we think that we have had dedicated and fearless journalists in our own country like Magsaysay award winner, Arun Shourie who reported  fearlessly during the emergency fighting for  freedom of the press, civil liberties, and  later against corruption, inequality and injustice. It is to be noted that he had the full backing of Ramnath Goenka the proprietor of his newspaper, Indian Express. 

 It is journalistic initiative and painstaking investigative journalism spread over a two year period  by Washington Post reporters, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward that exposed the Watergate scandal implicating many members of Nixon's team and ultimately leading to the resignation of Richard Nixon, the first US President ever to do so.  

Investigative journalism  brought to light the gruesome and infamous Bhagalpur blindings wherein police officials in a Bihar town Bhagalpur,  poured acid into the eyes of 33 under trials/ convicts. It was clearly a case of extrajudicial punishment. The incident was shocking and heart rendering news headlines of those days.  The case made criminal jurisprudence history when for the first time the Supreme court ordered the state to pay compensation for violation of human rights. 

Journalist Chitra subramaniam, based out of Sweden wrote about the Bofors scandal, fearlessly and relentlessly, first in the Hindu and later in the Indian Express and statesman. The Bombay stock scam of 1992 is another instance of an expose that happened because journalists played their role as watch dogs of society and always kept their eyes and ears open.  

Today, we are finding a peculiar situation wherein the mainstream media is failing in its duty of highlighting  political/ corporate financial corruption, price rise, unemployment issues, violent  crimes, and other ills in society.  Their interest and focus is on the trivial, and superficial  matters. In fact they have become apologies for journalists! 

Therefore, the onus  and mantle of critiquing the ills in society have fallen on stand up comedians, poets and others who speak through  informal/ independent channels on internet.  So, what are  the chances of a revival and return to the glorious traditions of true journalism?  One can only hope that "This too shall pass" and like the wheel turning, we will see  better times, so necessary for a thriving vibrant democracy!   

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