Criticising the media coverage of social activist Anna Hazare’s agitation, Press Council of India (PCI) Chairman Markandey Katju on Sunday said many journalists were swayed by emotion and became “part of the movement,” instead of reporting objectively.
Speaking at a seminar here on “Anna Hazare’s movement and media,” Mr. Katju said a large section of the print and electronic media was swayed by emotions and acted irresponsibly.
The PCI chief recalled that during the Babri Masjid controversy also, some journalists of the Hindi press acted like ‘kar sevaks’ themselves, instead of reporting the events objectively. Mr. Katju also criticised Team Anna’s plan to contest elections, saying it was beset with contradictions.
The PCI Chairman said he had read Team Anna’s Jan Lokpal Bill, and added that if it became a reality, the incidence of corruption would double. If the Jan Lokpal Bill was passed, about 2.50 crore employees, now covered by the Prevention of Corruption Act, would come under the Lokpal and there would be lakhs of complaints against them, some genuine and some false. A large number of ombudsmen (Lokpals) would be needed to look into these complaints, entailing a huge expenditure, he said. Besides, there would be a possibility of many of these Lokpals turning into blackmailers, he said .
It seems PCI Chairman wants press reports to fall in line to the
orders (of those in power - either media moghuls or govt). It is
heartening to see that reporters still have some heart of their own.
It will be a pity if all reporters turn to reporting like the various
incidents of street carnages to gain TRP, and not have any heart to
sympathize or help any victim.
Cheers to the reporters with HEART.
Media has been playing a very destructive role to mobilize public opinion against the existing elected Government. Recalling media's role during the coverage of Common Wealth Games held at New Delhi,it was telecasting the photographs of broken tiles, water seeping from the roof, the stray snake entering into the room of sports hostel. It appeared that the CWG is the job of Congress Party only. In the similar manner the coverage of so called media sponsored agitations headed by Mr. Anna Hazare or Baba Ramdev was very partial.Every one was given opportunity to speak any thing abusive, destructive, unabashed and against the government. People like Mr. Om Puri came to the stage in a drunkard state and spoke what ever came to his mind. Ms. Kiran Bedi ran a mimicry show,and any one who could say any thing without any responsibility was welcome. The television coverage was available 24X7 to destabilize the elected government. All this was being done in the name of free speech, democracy.
If there is political will to eradicate corruption, there are enough laws to tackle the problem.Media can not be blamed for its show. They have shown whatever was the reality. Anna is successful at least to make the public aware.Chairman Mr. Markandey Katju is requested to bring his own proposal to cure this disease of corruption.
Since last three years Katju is feeling insecure. Most of his comments
does not have any depth rather appeasement to the establishment. I
understand the reason but it is really unfortunate. We expect honesty
from you. You may be leaned person but I am sure you are lying about
your knowledge on Lokpal.
If Jan Lokpal Bill is not the solution, then what practical solutions does PCI chairman has to offer within the ambit of the present laws for the eradication of the evil of corruption that has percolated deep into the Indian governing system making survival of, largely the common man, a nightmare, as a result of the erosion of all essential human values vital for each human life to exist equally and sustainably?
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