Role of Newspapers in the current society

Ok! Now, I would have preferred that this be something I put on Twitter, since I believe this is a topic, which would have more takers in there. However, the word constraint will not let me do so. Hmmm! Well, let me think If i can add it to my blog and give the link to Twitter. Maybe, later. Anycase, since it was boiling in my mind for sometime, I have decided to voice it here, for the time being. I have always believed that the job of a newspaper is to work for the people, providing them with the information they need to know . Fight against the injustices, prevailing in the society, at least to some extent. I have earlier on realised that this is just a romanticised view of how in actuality, a paper works. Well, I will not get into all that now. The Tehelka incident only reconfirmed my views that if the owner of a paper, who normally canvases for woman equality and rights has a double face and the ex-managing editor would prefer to support the management rather than voice concern or fight for the dignity of a colleague, then what would be the policy of such a paper? That apart, seem I am diagressing from the point I wish to make. There was recent furor over the NCW letting out name of the victim in the Tehelka case, which in fact is not the first time it's been done. Even, some papers have gone on to reveal name of victims in some cases. Here, I come to the format, one considers as apt for a news report. A journalism student would be well aware of W`s....that is important in a news report, the when, where, why, to whom, who did it and not to forget, the H of How. My question, however is how does the to whom in a rape or molestation case, actually matter to the public? The victim, who as already undergone so much of pain and humiliation, can and in fact should be a nameless faceless person. People, should in fact be more worried of the heniousness of such crimes, rather than enjoying reading the gory details. When it is so, isn't the who did it and the where that should be given more importance? In fact, it is more the right of the people to know that details, so that anymore such incidents can be avoided. Isn't it the right of the papers, to ensure that the people are in fact forewarned of such people and more so, the place? Why I talk about the where factor, is that in the recent rape case, of an IT professional, at a Pozhiyoor resort, papers have gone on in detail about the information on the victim, in fact only the name has so far, not been revealed. However, the papers have not mentioned the name of the Resort, which is such an unsafe place that a kick could open the back door of the room giving way for the rapists to enter. Shouldn't other people be made aware that their safety is in trouble, at such a place,where not only back doors can be kicked open, but as well, the management could not be bothered to inform the police of the same. At the same time, they are more concerned with their so called reputation or business. My question remains, is the victim or the crime in itself and the place or perpetrator more important for us to know, so that atleast another crime, as such can be averted?

Journalists and their duty

Oft the burning question in my mind .....journalism and humanitarian feelings do not go together?..well i remember, once someone asked if you see someone dying in front of you, would you look for the news opportunity in that or would you try to save that person? Recently, that question started bugging me again as i saw a Malayalam movie, the question the protagonist asks his boss, when denied leave is are you not a human being? The prompt answer that comes is no i am a journalist, first and foremost.

The film portrays the protagonists dilemma when asked to cover the news regarding his mentor, who lies in his deathbed. The news, he greets with great shock! The man who he admired the most as a child, a famous writer is very ill, and all the papers are vying to see who would get the exclusive on his death. Throughout the movie we see the personal feelings and profession of the hero, putting him in great dilemma. Also, we find a dig at journalists and humanitarian feelings following like a thread throught the movie.. it ends with the protagonists acceptance of his profession, we find him turning out to be a hard core journalist, with no sentiments, left in him.

One aspect they highlight on, is the change in the news content in our papers or TV channels.

There was dialogue which goes something like," news was a service with business content, today it is business with service content , tomorrow it will be pure business with profit content. How true is it in today's scenario. How often do news channels or papers cover the unvarnished truth?Can we truly believe that all we hear, is not totally biased? With the papers competing to establish themselves, how much of the truth do we actually get to hear? questions oft lying in all common man's mind?

Having a journalism degree, i was very confident that i could end up as a high-profile journalist. Serving the people, or writing to create a difference in the world, was and is still my passion. However, when it came to getting a job, i ended up as a content writer. When i look back, regret that lies, did i choose the wrong medium to communicate? Then, simultaneous question that arises, how good a journalist would i really be? Would i really be hard and tough enough to really cover the story, without letting my sentiments get in between my profession?.....hmm...sighhhhh! Still i ponder...

That fire and angst in me to question the injustice still remains.. However, the question is how often do we really voice our opinions or thoughts? How often.........? To date, it remains a question !