So much has been written and said about the chilling terror attack in Mumbai. I would like to add that it's time, we have media do's and don'ts. Ever since 24/7 news channels have begun, these channels have been vying for scoops, exclusive stories etc.. Nothing wrong with that as long as they do reporting and not sensationalising news and adding to the chaos and confusion. We've seen it during the Arushi murder case and how they convicted the father even before the investigations began! Now, with the recent attacks they seems to have gone completely brainless. Here, we were, being attacked by sophisticated terrorists with sat radio /phone and we were feeding them information via our news channels on the NSG, Marcos Commandoes and reinforcements and positions. What a joke it must be for the terrorists!!
Yes, the attack had to be aired on news channels but couldn't we just be shown some clips that was shot an hour earlier and not reported Live?? Couldn't we have had reporting every hour rather than minute to minute?? Many times, they were simply replaying the shots and repeating the news. My impression from the whole 56 hour hour coverage was that the news channels reported it like it was some action movie without any thought about the implications of their actions and lack of any sensitivity whatsoever
4 comments:
The media gives what the viewers want to watch. So the problem is with the viewers and not with the media. No point in blaming the media if people want to see what the media shows.
I beg to differ with Swami. In this context, I think the media had to use some discretion. Any case, this is our first experience of this nature. We need to learn from our mistakes , politicians, media and everybody.
Yes, costly lessons indeed!! I also wanted to add that media channels are as big a hypocrite as the politicians they were blaming. Media went berserk reporting that all parties need to come together in this moment of terror and pulled up L K Advani for taking political mileage of the episode. I would like to point out that channels like Times Now every other hour kept showing some footage and claiming it to be an exclusive. Couldn't the media also show solidarity by getting together and report from one source!!
With regards to Swamy's comment, all I can say is he couldn't have got it more wrong. I can never buy such an argument.. Indians do this all the time, media barons, film directors, anyone in entertainment for that matter give this easy argument for dishing out trash.. Didn't viewers vote for quality stuff like Taare..? It takes a little effort to get out of 'herd mentality'.. Efforts have always been amply rewarded
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