Scenario 

We have to go back to history books and say ‘Long long ago, so long ago, we had rulers who welcomed and respected criticisms from the media, leaders, educated and experienced people and the public at large’. Now even such cinematic dialogues are old and stale.

The present rulers are busy confining everything to history and even destroying all pieces of evidence of it, burning, burying them deep underground. They know the art of ruling in this materialistic and practical world. Why give opportunities for criticism and then answer them.

Now jumlas, lies and unlimited powers of rulers have become acceptable political facts and norms. The limitations of democracy, courts, opposition and people are getting exposed. The media cannot remain an exception. It may use a free and liberal label till it is permitted.

The media also learns its lessons to become flexible with rulers or else they will also become history with ‘honourable rulers’ doing their job. The major contributors for this state of affairs are the media themselves but they escape with total impunity and least notice.

The print and broadcast media are the major source of information for the people. Incidentally, they are also the main source of disinformation and distortion, dilution, colouring, dyeing etc.  Even social media is not free as it sources from; influenced by mainstream media. 

Some have preset designs to deliberately bombard and exploit weaknesses of the already suppressed, oppressed, and depressed people who become easy victims. It is not easy to discern what is true and right in highly polluted information/ disinformation that is floating around.

The role and responsibility of the respected, experienced journalists of the media are very crucial. It needs strong dispassionate minds to search for the right information and do expert analysis with deep insight and understanding of history and psychology of people and issues. 

Even then they may not be right in their analysis or conclusions. There may be a need for adequate debate, discussions to exchange points and notes involving enlightened people with experience and knowledge of the subject to evolve a more comprehensive, consolidated view. 

Failings 

What we are witnessing is ‘Enlightened anchors’ lighting up the stage by spitting fire on not so burning issues and subjecting many innocent people into the ring of fire to purify themselves and prove their innocence before the court of ‘His Majesty’. 

It is contended by the Government that there is a process existing to control them. But who controls it, whether instigators or perpetrators is the question. Now the latest upgrade is that they are engaging in fistfights on the roads to capture the right spots and TRP ratings.

This situation would not have arisen if the free, experienced media discharged their duties diligently, objectively, steadfastly without any kind of bias, prejudice, preconceived notions. They are to perform the role of a “watchdog” but are now ‘Na Ghar ka Na Ghat ka’. They are neither here nor there.

The technological revolution has made the job and reaches of the media easier and wider to collect all the information that is relevant to people. They have the experience to present in the proper format for people to easily understand.

All that is needed is more strenuous efforts and application of mind than any kind of leg work. They make very little effort for collecting, discussing, analysing information that is readily available. Whatever that is being done is superficial and it reflects on the result.

They are caught midway between competition, TRP ratings, unethical hugs and relationship with unscrupulous rulers on the one side and their principles, conscience, and need for survival on the other side. They stand half-heartedly, embracing neutrality and awaiting change.

Basically, their mind is not set on their job. They are more bothered to keep themselves alive and kicking with minimal intake and reclaim their ‘warrior status’ when they could act without fear. They may seek a share in credit when others achieve hard-earned victory.

The media may cite some examples of having questioned the government on specific issues. They may quote such exceptions. But exceptions should be the rule. What they have done is welcome. We are questioning what they have not done.  They avoided some of them consciously.

Has the media taken Modi to task for deliberately avoiding to hold press conferences? He is able to bulldoze all opinions, criticisms, questions without answering any of them. What kind of democracy we have with 4th pillar media surrendering totally to this fascist regime.

In fact, the media itself is exemplary in the art of avoidance refusing to honestly play their part of checks and balances provided in the system. Do they have any moral right whatsoever to criticise, advocate, question and give sermons to others on rules, democracy, liberty and freedom?

Here we may have to admit that there is a problem with our inclination to make everyone heroes and God. We start to patronise and revere forgetting to scrutinise their actions/ failures. Every pillar of democracy including the media should be questioned. They should answer.

The media or for that matter anyone should not be allowed to sit back and hold on to a position of responsibility on the basis of their past laurels, name, brand and achievements without matching performance. Past is past and we are concerned about what they are doing now.

Unfortunately, we do have many such senior journalists who turned soft and malleable with age with clouded vision and occasional roars. If they are unable to do free journalism they should quit the job and go on a lecture spree imparting their experience to the people. 

They can talk freely, frankly and openly without any fear about every issue affecting the country. This may bring in clarity and confidence among all sections of society including the media. It may enable them to devise their path, strategy to move towards a better system.

It is the responsibility of the whole media to do some soul searching and analyse their past objectively to know their failings and harsh truths. They should also welcome and encourage criticisms to rectify errors and discharge their duty as the 4th pillar of democracy.