Journalism Of Tales

Muslim Murasu, June 2011

Social development and social responsibilities should always be the focus. Each sector is marching ahead with high quality output owing to their long and immense experience. Journalism was a service sector in a time. Then it became an occupation and now it operates like any other industry. Journalism is vying for power and authority too.
It is imperative to define norms and limits. The statement issued by the president of Indian press council promises future for this sector. News dailies, weeklies and monthlies basking in paan shops even after 9’o clock are telltale signs of dissent among readers. Even when the cost comes down to 2 rupees, readers are not inclined to show any care.

Inspite of being asked for countless times by the press council, some magazines, reporters and news organizations show no restraint. Norms set for the print media will very well apply for the electronic media also. There should not be any interference in personal lives. Some magazines can avoid tasty accounts of personal lives and secrets, like they saw them with their own eyes. ‘Privacy’ will include family, house, religion, health, sexual orientation and personal contacts. News can be covered if there is danger to public welfare or interest. While photographing terrorist incidents and riots, religion passions should not be incited. Coverage can be so as to enhance public peace, religious tolerance and inter-faith harmony. They should not be exaggerated in a way to inflame religious hatred. Journalist holds the proud and huge responsibility to create peace between various religious and social groups in the country. Headlines and headings should be framed to point to the true content. They should reflect honesty.
Parliament recommended instituting press council in 1966. Freedom of press should be protected and quality of press should improve. The activities of the press council with these two key objectives are commendable.
But the news about a terrorist murder that was widely published during May reminded us of Vikramadithan tales and Sindbad fantasies. Imagination was rich but taste and quality was lacking.
News is getting dreary. News publishing without any sense of responsibility, control and norms is continuing. More papers will hang desolated without takers in the paan shops.