Skip to content Skip to navigation

Who will bell the media?

Two teenage boys from Gurgaon aged 14 years hit the headlines in every Indian TV channels and had their names mentioned in all the newspapers. They were the so called new poster boys. The occasion, however, was not something which would have called for a celebration; it was one of an unprecedented crime, a crime that took place in an alma mater on 11th December 2007. Unaware of the repercussion of their action, the two boys in retaliation shot down one of their classmate who apparently used to bully them. The media in their zealousness and search for attention grabbing headline and anything that makes news, went overboard in this case. Even before the crime of these two boys have been proved and the psychological motive assuaged; the media announced their verdict and branded these two boys as criminals in the eyes of all.

This incident led me to a lot of introspection and unanswered questions; what ails the growing children of India? Who is to blame - school administration, parenting skills, our growing societies and the rise in disposable income? Or the insensitive media which ensured, while reporting the incident, the gross violation of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000 which clearly states that:

No report in any newspaper, magazine, newssheet or visual medias of any inquiry regarding a juvenile in conflict with the law under this Act shall disclose the name, address or school or any other a particulars calculated to lead to the identification of the juvenile, nor shall any picture of any such juvenile be published - (Article 13, chapter 2)

But do the media really bother or care, as long as their newspapers are being sold off and the news ratings are on the increase? I wonder if the mighty ones’ in the position of power in the media ever bat their eyelids while condemning the two boys as habitual offenders and killers. Did they at all think before putting headlines such as –“Gurgaon shooting: 'Killer' boy's father surrenders”, “Family deserts Gurgaon ‘killer’ child”.

The media should think twice and be more responsible before sensationalizing crimes or condemning the perpetrators of it. They should keep it in the back of their mind that there are sections in this society, who follow their daily piece of news, being fed by scores of TV channels, newspapers, radio, et all, with a fervor similar to that of religion. And hold everything that the media reports as truth.

From the status of a watchdog and performing the stellar role of a catalyst, the media fraternity has become operators of an un-ethical corporation, whose only goal is to increase TRPs, churn advertisement revenues and ensure a rise in the monthly bank balances. There has been innumerable incident, where some of the media, inspite of human rights agencies crying hoarse, endless appeal from NGOs and activists, have gone ahead and revealed the names and identities of HIV positive persons and victims of heinous crimes such as – rape, human trafficking, dowry and sexual abuse.

Let us, however, not forget the immense power this medium possesses. Sensitive, well researched and conscientious reporting can make a definite difference to the quality of innumerable lives. Without doubt, it can enable one to take a critical look at situations and stances, and thus help in protecting those who are vulnerable and generate empathy for those affected.

So, what went wrong with this powerful medium which resolutely fought for the real truth? Brought into light issues related to human security, booked the perpetrators of crime of all sorts and order, kept whistle blowers on their toes, investigated the corrupt, created role models , celebrated human spirit and recreated magic. Millions of readers and television viewers depend on the media to shape their views. Lets us take a minute from our busy lives and think about it.

Author info

pinkypradhan's picture

Comments

Kamala's picture

This article brings to the light , the present media scenario.It is indeed shameful, that the status of the media has come down to this level.

Add new comment

Random Stories

100 hrs Dima Hasao Bandh called off

10 Aug 2011 - 2:50pm | Anup Biswas
Realizing the sufferings of the common people of the district and to respond appeals from several organizations, the Indigenous People Forum (IPF) called off the 100 hours N C Hills (Dima Hasao)...

Candle lighting rally

5 Aug 2017 - 10:37pm | editor
A candle lighting rally was  carried out at Salakati in protest against killing of ABMSU leader Lafikul. The was organized by ABMSU and was participating by ABSU, AKRSU, bengali Federation...

Rhino poaching again

24 Feb 2014 - 8:33am | AT News
Forest guards in Kaziranga recovered the rhino killed by poachers on Sunday evening.The carcass was spotted near Borbhag forest camp in Burahpahar range of the world heritage site. The horn was...

2 trafficked girls rescued from New Delhi

10 May 2016 - 9:28pm | Shajid Khan
At a time when human trafficking cases in Udalguri district has steeply rised, and easy-going girls are lured and trafficked to various parts of the countryi. Two girls of No. 3 Hatimarasuba of...

Other Contents by Author

The election campaign in India this time round has been the most expensive one. It has been touted by many as a jamboree, a must see political carnival. Frankly, speaking it is an entertainment in itself, clearly outflanking the over the top K serials of Ekta Kapoor. The 2009 Lok Sabha elections has got everything in it: flamboyance, wealth, drama, star power and loads and loads of suspense and action. PR firms, advertising companies and brand consultants are busy writing slogans, copies and with strategic positioning mind games for political parties and candidates, rather than for products and brands. Big bucks are also being spent on its visibility. Joining the fever called elections are...
Mr. Barua had left his home to buy fish for the afternoon; Harilal, a rickshaw puller, was looking forward to his day’s wage; Mrs. Malati was busy shopping for the day’s errand …unfortunately, they and many others never got back home. They became unsung martyrs in the bomb blasts that charred Guwahati, Assam, on 30 October 2008. An irrevocable carnage ripped the whole of Assam, killing over 70 people and injuring 400. Sitting at home in Delhi, an irrepressible anger filled up in me, as I helplessly watched visuals of charred and mangled bodies, injured and shell shocked people lying all around, sprawling pools of blood; dismembered body parts and angry people fulminating...
India celebrated the 59th Republic Day with great patriotism and fervour. At moments, I am sure our eyes must have moistened with pride, while watching the parade and tableau showcasing our achievements. Even days later, the congratulatory mood is still on. Without doubt, India has emerged as a country that no one can overlook. Acknowledged as the next super power, India is proving to be a tough competitor for China over this pageantry. It is noteworthy, that everybody is bringing laurels for this country, which is very good. The Indian cricket team is at its best form so much so that the rich and famous are investing on it. Indian economy is in good health and politics very robust. India...
The once silent hills of Darjeeling, has grabbed the attention of the central Government and Indian Nepali diaspora. From being a sleepy tourist town, the towering hills are being ravaged by demands from two dissentious groups: the implementation of sixth schedule status vs. a separate statehood- ‘gorkhaland’.The angst however, is not limited within Darjeeling itself. Sizeable Indian Nepali populations from states like Delhi, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and others are closely taking part in it. Questions like –‘can the tag of being honest feed us?’, ‘can tourism be a year long industry for feeding the people?’, ‘can sixth schedule remove all...
Kumari and Jayanti start their day’s work at 4 am every morning. This is the only time these two women get to talk and discuss their problems, before the others arrive. Jayanti has been upset for the last few months. Her teenage daughter ran away with the boy in the next village. How could she have done that? Did she not think of the shame it would bring to the family? Did she not think of what repercussions it would have for her sister who was yet to be married or the difficulty her father would have now to raise a loan for the tractor? But Kumari was wise, she was a true friend. She tried hard to explain to Jayanti that the only way was to accept and forget; after all, 3 years ago...