Press Council of India Chairman Justice Markandey Katju on Tuesday criticised the prominent media coverage of actor Dev Anand's death.
Farmers' suicide
He said putting the news of an actor's death on the front page when farmers were committing suicide and there were more pressing social and economic issues to be addressed only showed a “lack of sense of priority.”
“I had also watched his films when I was young and also liked them,” the former Supreme Court judge said.
He noted that 2.5 lakh farmers had committed suicide in the last 50 years, and barring some exceptions and journalists like P. Sainath, who were doing commendable work, most of the media was simply ignoring these issues.
“The country is facing several socio-economic problems; there is poverty, price rise and incidents like farmers' suicides. Isn't all that more important?” It was high time the media woke up to their role and corrected themselves. People had high expectations from the media.
Mr Katju, don't you know the indian masses...they have been worshippping film people since they were conceived. So called Dev saab provided food, education, medicine, to these lesser beings. There are a few who were really shocked to see their human god die at the untimely age of 88...what a disaster...died so early. Poor indian masses, Now who is going to guard their borders, police their streets, grow their food and make their clothing, drive their rickshaws and clean their streets, find cures for their ever-increasing illnesses, teach their children read and write...These people have lost their god.
I think that if a LEGENDARY person like DEV ANAND does not deserve front page coverage, then no news in the world should be published on the front page.
Such a GREAT MAN DEV ANAND, he has taken the Film Industry & India to such great heights, every news about him should be on front page. But Alas! the man himself is gone, I don't think that now there'll be any news about him.
read between the lines:: Mr Katju is only taking the occasion to show the lack of sensititvity of media to the public. Its not that he has something against Devji or front page. It is to bring the attention on to far more important issues. At last someone in key role who knows when/how to say what to bring the attention on keys things.
I agree with Mr Katju.
His concern is correct, but he forget that great Indian middle class is the market for these type of media coverage, and it is also one of the requirement of the present ruling state to keep people on the lowest possible level of consciousness. And our new media is doing this duty very well.
After reading some comments, I also seems clear that some people are really enjoying many insensible coverage.
Recently I have watched a movie on the media titles Network, it was in 70s, but it is more intense and more senseless today.
But, I think there is a need to parallel public media which bring real issues in the front of sensible people.
Mr Katju is so right every time again and again. I am one of million of Indians who live abroad. One of things that we find different is quality of media and journalism. Now after living long enough I have completely refrained myself from opening news websites of home news papers. BigBoss, Sunny Leone, Sonia's Cancer, Ranbir Kapoor, Veena Malik's nude photoshoot are types of disappointing headlines, fortunately enough there are some global news agencies who still report Indian issue better than any of the agencies back home. Hindu is good too... If media keep on publishing propaganda news and masala news I am afraid people will not come to know the real issues and hence these issues will continue to grow deep.
let us not mix up two things each one their own and they have their own approach to life, if one is going to commit suicide and the other show the way how to live one cannot put a comparison over here, sure each should be honoured in its own style given..
While the stand of Mr. Katju on coverage of burning issues in the media is very much commendable, this comment on coverage of Dev Anand sounds very immature to me. But some of the above comments saying that the suicide of farmers is a crime seem very ridiculous in this context. After all, everyone has to remember that committing suicide is not so easy! Media coverage of these issues should make the governments and people realize these issues. But articles like Dev Anand's death definitely need front-page coverage, the cinema is a 'soft power' to any country.
The news media has to make money through advertisements for mere survival. I understand in the bygone decades a ruling party in Tamil Nadu would threaten the publishers that if they were to publish anything adversarial to the ruling party the government would not advertise in those newspapers. It would sound a death toll for the newspapers. Thus the papers were effectively controlled by unscrupulous politicians of the ruling parties. If the papers were to sell more by publishing the accounts of some innocent celebrities it should be considered a safety net for the publishers. Furthermore vulgar people ( vulgar in the sense common ) need vulgar enjoyment and news. If I were to see Satyajit Ray's movies I cannot understand the symbolism in his movies. I want to forget the miseries of day to day realities and live in a fantasy world for a little while at times. One cannot blame me for that, nor can one blame the press for catering to my needs.
Justice Katju, as the new chairman of the press council of India has taken a highly balanced approach for the betterment of the fourth estate and that is really laudable. He has demonstrated his urge to help the press barons, the journalists and the society. He is not one sided. His main thrust is that the media should give importance to the burning issues of the day and that there should be broader coverage for the issues which has a Bearing on lifting the society and the nation at large. Salutations to this jurist for this upright stand. Society also respects individuals from different strata of society, politics, education, medicine, law industry, trade unionism etc and it will be wrong if their contributions are not Highlighted. Dev Anand did project the positive side of the film industry to India and the world .Swami Vivekananda, Gurdev Tagore, Sir.CVRaman, Sri Narayana Guru, SAi baba, SAint THyagaraja are few examples. Can they be ignored? NO.
Justice Katzu is proving all my fears true; every day he is commenting one or the other. The nation does not want a police in that job; he is reminding us of the emergency era of censorship. Who is he to decide what I would want to read/view? If I want real news alone, i would go for papers like the Hindhu, if I would also want sleaze along with it, then I have many choices to make.
Justice Katju should know there is a thin line between censorship and liberalism.
The view of the Judge is wonderful but condemnable. It is not understandable as to how and why such a comment on the coverage of a vip in our country emanates from a top man in the judiciary. I dont think he has fully understood the ethics of journalism.
Justice Markandey Katju's comment is totally true. Gone are the days when news papers carried news items that reflected the needs of the people giving importance to pressing national, regional and international issues. To day, What Aiswarya Rai wore during labor is the most important news, than, why no expert committee is appointed to look into the Mullaiperiyar Dam issue, allowing politicians of either states using the issue to prove their strength. This issue in no time will become another Ram Janma Bhoomi. News channels from regional to national travelled with Rajini everywhere to give minute by minute details about his health, yet did not have any time to cover other pressing problems. It is the channels and news papers that are responsible for fuelling issues, taking sides with different parties, without any regard for the common man who is the ultimate sufferer. Film personalities entertain people and that is their job. Let us not make them God.
Justice Katju, as the new chairman of the press council of India has taken a highly balanced approach for the betterment of the fourth estate and that is really laudable. He has demonstrated his urge to help the press barons, the journalists and the society. He is not one sided. His main thrust is that the media should give importance to the burning issues of the day and that there should be broader coverage for the issues which has a Bearing on lifting the society and the nation at large. Salutations to this jurist for this upright stand. Society also respects individuals from different strata of society, politics, education, medicine, law industry, trade unionism etc and it will be wrong if their contributions are not Highlighted. Dev anand did project the positive side of the film industry to India and the world .Swami Vivekananda, Gurdev Tagore, Sir.CVRaman, Sri Narayana Guru, SAi baba, SAint THyagaraja are few examples. Can they be ignored? NO.
Mr Katju's comments about NEWS papers covering Devanand’s death in front pages are unacceptable. He made his point earlier but it is strange and illogical that he makes this kind of comments. If he continues to criticize like this I am afraid that many neutral persons like me will stop taking him seriously
We find most of the cases handled in the halls of courts are with respect to matters other than suicides of farmers.The media would give front pages only to cases in courts like,bails given,delayed or denied.the other pillars legislature and executives do touch in the states some times on the statistics of suicides.But the media should cover these activities of the stars whether they live or die at a huge costs of printing.
The late actor Dev Anand was most popular person and he had acted many
movies and further as a human he dies only once and his death was not
the cause of the farmers committing suicide. The farmers problem is the
problem of the government and not the late actor and so I prefer and
approve the media for giving priority in publishing on the front page.
Mr. Katju appeared as someone who could bring change in how today's Media works by his previous scathing remarks, which were very thoughtful and well accepted by public. But, with his latest comment on the legendary Mr. Dev Anand's demise, I am afraid he may be shooting himself in his foot!
With all due respect to you Mr Katju, this time you are way off the mark. Why should not a prominent person's death receive front page coverage?
Sir, extending your argument, if India wins another world cup, do you think it does not merit a front page coverage?
This was the same media once undermined the death of Dennish
Ritchie, inventor of computer language C and operating system UNIX
that had changed total landscape of computing platform during 1970s
while highlighting the demise of Steve Jobs with maximum available
big mouth.
Here one may remember what earlier Mr Katju had mentioned about “un
educated journalist” which had provoked several media persons. The
same uneducated journalist’s journalism is responsible for such
unprecedented priority to unwanted news that has nothing to do in
the life of majority of Indian people.
Very rightly said by Mr. Katju. This eminded me of a debate where it was being said that maybe the farmers should go to Delhi and commit suicide. This way at least it will be foregrounded more than it usually is.
I beg to differ just on this particular issue. The demise of Dev Anand who was adored for decades by Indians is newsworthy enough to come up on the front page of the newspapers. At the same time, I don't undermine the importance to be accorded to more pressing issues facing the society. On a particular day, Dev Anand's death happened to get a prominent position in the media. In general, that the media should act responsibly in reflecting/shaping the public opinion is not in doubt.
Let the Learned and distinguished Mr.Katju need not demean personalities
like DEVJI, as one only dies once in life time, Media papers has to be
give priorities to such developments. More over Media highlights all the
ills happening the society. Please let us not speak ill of the departed
soul
I largely agree with Justice Katju. A short coverage of Dev Anand's death in the front page would be okay. But dedicating so much space of the news paper for this which could otherwise be dedicated to social issue is not warranted.It is about a person who had a comfortable, glamorous life Vs people struggling to keep alive!!!!
Mr. Devandand (with due respect), death news at front page can't bring
him back alive, but farmers suicide, price rise, ordinary public living
conditions etc. is highlighted it can bring the real life and good
living to our beloved poor citizens.
Mr. Devandand (with due respect), death news at front page can't bring
him back alive, but farmers suicide, price rise, ordinary public living
conditions etc. is highlighted it can bring the real life and good
living to our beloved poor citizens.
Mr. Katju seems to be out of touch with some essential realities. An ongoing problem, a well known problem, no matter how sad or sadder than the death of Dev Anand, cannot occupy prominent press space on the ONE day when the iconic actor passes away. An actor is no less a contributor to our society than a farmer. Just because cinema is able to afford star status to some of its fraternity, it cannot be ridiculed as a frivolous occupation that engages our citizenry at the cost of everything else. Our cricketers winning the World Cup was also on the first page. So what? Does it mean we are showing disrespect to our farmers who are committing suicide? If we have farmers' suicides on the first page every single day, what new information can the press disseminate? The first page is meant for NEW information, the most immediate addition to the events in our knowledge database, and this is in no way concurrent to what we may consider more important.
An actor like Devanand doesn't die everyday. Whereas price rise,poverty,scams and incidents like farmers' suicide have almost become daily affair. Hope, Shri Katzu understands all these. Fortunately many problems relating to common man of our country are getting enough space in Media.
All right thinking citizen should welcome & endorse the views of the chairman, press council that there is a need to prioritize the news items by the media. The suggestion should be taken in its right spirit and appreciate that the reader community is equally concerned about the 'ethos' along with the access of news coverage. The media in turn make an introspection on the merits in such corrective measures which will be for a healthy growth of their own, rather than taken as a 'criticism'. We must not forget that a media is the mouth piece & a reflection of the national image.! And the corrective measures deserve acceptance wholeheartedly by one & all
Now this is too much from Mr Katju. Front page of any news paper generally reports the headlines of last day activities. Under this clause, Coverage of Dev Anand on front page is justified. Mr Anand was recipient of Padma Bhushan and a notable citizen of India and deserved a news on his demise. I am afraid that as per Mr Katju's opinion, any news related to sport, culture and achievements of individual Indian may not find a place in front pages.
Though I appreciate the recent stand of Mr.Katju on media reform but his comment on front page coverage of Dev Anand is totally unwarranted. Given Dev Anand's persona and his 65 years of association with Indian cinema, he certainly deserved a front page coverage. Highlighting social issues does not mean that there should be absolutely no coverage of entertainment related news! In case of Dev Anand, he was much beyond than just an entertainment figure. Media (both print and electronic) must be congratulated for giving prominent and comprehensive coverage on the first icon of bollywood who taught us to remain young forever.
I agree with Justic Markandey Katju for his open view on media not highlighting Farmer suicide in India.Media should investigate as to why farmer are committing suicide and find solution for it.Media should highllight Goverment detrimental policy for which farmer are committing suicide in such a large number.
The fourth estate has a responsibility to discharge. While it is mandatory for the newspapers to uphold the press dharma, it cannot stop from highlighting the death of a prominent ever green hero. Unbiased reporting is the need of the day.
I am saddened by the farmers suicides in Maharashtra and elsewhere in the country.My sympathies are with the families of the those farmers.Government should understand the problems and help them,Do whatever possible to prevent such suicides. At the same time Justice Katju s comment on media coverage of Mr Dev Anands sad demise is unacceptable.He was not only a great actor but a great human being with a zest for life and darling of millions of people both in India and abroad.He deserves front page news. The media knows what they are doing.
A very true and bold statement. Hats off to Mr.Katju. Media should
prioritize socio-economic issues over bollywood/celebrities.
good thing after so long
Sir, thank you so much for giving a tight slap on the face of
commercial media. Don't you know that majority of the media (not all)
have gone after money at least a decade back? Will someone bell the
cats in Tamil print media? I'm sure many would agree with me that in
Tamilnadu most of the newspapers have been serving political
interests of specific parties. I'm recollecting how the print media
use to strive for neutrality while publishing news and criticizing
the decisions of parties and government. This is very disheartening
for a common man who wants to read unbiased news on a daily basis.
The media,at least the print media could not be blamed in this respect.
they do cover cover all these issues and happenings like suicide deaths,
economic issues,poverty status almost every day.Of course their job is to point out the happenings since the actions and solutions are expected
from the governments concerned.The courts take cases on all subjects
and very rarely the subject of suicides occupy the halls of the court.
But as the article mentioned too much on subjects like this should be
avoided.
Sir,
I agree with Mr. Katju's remarks on front page coverage being given to such news irrespective of who the actor is. Similarly, it is really shocking to see many prominent newspapers, sadly even 'The Hindu', giving front page coverage to a silly song like 'Why this kolaveri' last week. The same applies to electronic media as well.
Media and Newspapers should be responsible and careful in not giving prominence to such frivolous songs etc.
The present chairman of the press council of India, has projected the image of the under
dogs of society, and after assumption of his new office, he has criticized the media and
helped the journalists when they were tortured. He has gone on record to help the press
barons to realize the dues from the defilers and all this has enabled him to improve his
image to one and all in India. His maturity, scholarship and balanced approach has helped
him to become a role model to all in public service.
I am however surprised on his recent comments on DEV ANAND. He was one of the top
stars on the silver screen and a man who was adored by the old and young in india. There
Are stalwarts in different areas like politics, literature, arts, painting educational areas etc,
And it seems to me there is nothing wrong if the media has given publicity to the passing
Away of a Titan in the field. It is the last journey of a great soul.
C.P.Chandra DAS, Former Professor , IIT( M) from USA.
I totally agree with him though we a minority so far as such news is concerned. Why does not the media highlight the miseries o fthe poor and the middle class more effectively, We have to change our priorities
in news presentation
Well said Sir. Shri.Dev Anand had a naural death at his old age Obituary and regret is alright as a respect. But too much of coverage than what the normal incidence deserves has to be bluntly pointed out by some one or other..
Justice Katju must not speak out like this. He has a right to speak out in his individual capacity BUT he cannot do this as the Press Council Head. Dev Anand was a personality who swayed millions across the country & abroad for nearly 40 years with his inimitable acting skills & has mentored several leading stars. His death is front page news. Mr Katju can object to that & NOT Mr Justice Katju.
It is downright silly of Press Council Chairman to find fault with the
media for its coverage of the death of Bollywood idol Dev Anand. What
interests people, decides media selection. As a romantic icon,Dev
Anand had won the hearts of millions of fans. To argue that his death
is not front page news is laughable. Farmers have been committing
suicide for long due to Government apathy. When corrupt politicians
make front page news, what's wrong in giving prominence to an actor
who has been an inspiration for the past, present and will be in
future for cine fans? Mr Katju should use his important position to
propagate modern views. Perhaps he wants the Press to emulate
Doordarshan coverage!
R. Vasudevan
Dr.Katju also must note how the news of Russian election were highlighted on the front page.It was Russians internal matter.Why even Indian election commisioner comment on that?.That too all this before election is yet to be completed !!.............may good sense prevail on Indian media."Chatpata news is not the journalism"
Publicising, news about farmer suicides as proven will only increase its
rate.As a society, we need to respect those who contribute in whatever
form.Farmers commiting suicide is more of a symptom than a problem and
as such according more than necessary light will only blow things out of
proportion.Headlines also mean transient and more todo with the previous
day rather than perennial problems other wise they wouldn't be headlines
would the?
Mr. Katju, know this for a lesson. To be born as a human being in this world is a boon. The Supreme Power who gave this life alone has the right to determine an end to that life. Anyone who terminates that life by himself does a crime in the first instance. The fact that such a crime is being done by a farmer does not convert the crime into a pious act. Again, just because he accumulated debt for his living and ended that life because of inability to repay that debt does not make the criminal action any holy. If you feel so aggrieved, do an Anna Hazare by going on an indefinite fast for espousing the farmer's cause and goading the Government into action. As a Judge, you should have known the power of moderation. The media has a right to decide which kind of news to propagandize - that of a person's act of crime or the natural end to life of another person. So learn to use the power of moderation before shooting forth.
I believe Justice Katju is missing the point here by comparing
apples and oranges. Though I totally agree that the farmers suicide
should be given more importance, I dis-agree that reporting of Dev
Anand's death on the front page is a mistake. He is a famous
personality and so its only but natural that media gives this event a
front page priority.
What to print in news coverage and where to insert it, depends on readers liking as well and cannot be criticized as done by Mr. Katju because of suicide by farmers. These restrictions now sought to be expressed definitely would be a restraint on freedom of the press.
Suicide is a crime. Common men daily face problems from the Government
and other sources driving them to despair. Do they commit suicide?
Ways and means have to be worked out to prevent these suicides. I
would rather admire a man who slapped a Minister without thinking of
suicide. There are also judges who, when an accused murmurs that the
amount of Rs.15000 imposed on him is high, would revise the amount to
Rs.30,000/-. I would rather appreciate if the accused jumped out and
slapped the judge instead of thinking of suicide.Be that as it may.
Dev Anand was an icon.People from huts and hamlets and palaces and
mansions loved him.The death was sudden and unbearable. The reaction
was spontaneous.His humility and simplicity combined with grace,
charm, handsomeness and active habits, happy go lucky attitude (Dard
bhi hame kabool chain bhi hame kabool) attracted Indians irrespective
of the area where they lived. He did not demand anything. He got
everything. He, therefore, deserves praise.
Nowadays he talks too much. He wants to be on the front page
sir why r u blaming media alone for this.people wants to read masala
only.perception and taste can not be changed over night.our society is
less sensitive in common man issue.regards.
It is very unfortunate that the honorable judge chose to make these
inappropriate comments. Actor Dev Anand is mourned by millions of his
fans, which is the main reason for the wide coverage and not because
Dev's life was more precious than any other person's life on the
planet.
It's not that Mr.Katju doesn't know, today's media houses are owned by corporates listed on various stock exchanges. Hence they are driven only by corporate greed and profiteering by feeding frenzy to public on frivolous issues. All they are interested in EYE-BALLS, TRPs and bottom lines. Media is not a service industry anymore in India.
Media in India is disgusting and its a open secret that they are all sold out.
If we want to have responsible media addressing socio-economic problems facing the country the only way for us is to clone Mr.Katju and put him in-charge of every print and electronic media outlet.
Today every journalist is worried only about his own SOCIAL & ECONOMIC situation and not the socio-economic issues of the larger society.
Today's media doesnot have any ideology, but they take sides based on what is profitable for them. We will be only fooling ourselves if we expect ethical reporting from a media which has no principle or ideology.
Justice Katju - The Indian media, over the years has become deaf and blind and has lost its Indian soul. It has become a bulletin board, which is sell its columns to publish news, paid for.
TV news - less said, the better. It is nothing but a cacophony of noise and nonsense. Your views, which are indeed words of wisdom, will not make a difference to the Indian media - which unfortunately has fallen into soulless unpatriotic hands. Social issues are not relevant to the media. Well being of the society, progress and development of the country have all be sacrificed at the alter of 'MP' - Money Power.
We do hope and pray, your strong words of wisdom will make a dent and awaken the conscious of the media.
"most of the media was simply ignoring these issues", the media is ignoring this issue, because, it is happening in Congress ruled states. Let one farmer commit suicide in Gujarat and see how active media will become.
After a long time, there is a right person at right place. Hopefully, media is listening to Mr. Katju !!
After a long time, there is a right person at right place. Hopefully, media is listening to Mr. Katju !!
Thanks,
Pradeep Dwivedi, CA
I am going to argue on this from both sides of the fence.In 1978 soon after defecting to the west Alexandre Solzhenitsyn in his powerful commencement address in Harvard said, " There is freedom for the, press but not for readership ". Of course Alexandre was frowning upon pornographic materials and other press materials in capitalistic countries with no redeeming effect. I tend to agree with him. However with Dev Anand whose name I came to know of for the first time after his death, talking about him in the first page for a day or two is not going to distract from more pressing issues.If it indeed distracts you cannot blame the deceased or the press but you should blame the apathy of the people at large. People see or hear what they want to see or hear.Richard Feynman in 1960s testified in a court on behalf of a strip club that he used to get inspiration while in the strip club.If people have to learn only from the press it is dangerous,for the press can then brain brainwash also.
Justice is simply ripping useless media apart
Even though i question the sense of responsibility of news channels and media, i think in this particular matter Mr Markandey has a very amateure statement. Given the number of "National" honors and recognitions in cluding Padma Bhushan, awarded to Dev Ananad it makes sense to have the news on front page.
Mr. Katzu,
Where you were when India Gandhi died and 'Doordarshan' was misused for daily live telecast.We would like to see a world in which arlist must get more respect & love rather than any political leader.Because,an artist can transform the society with his creative & heart touching approach but a political leader can not.
Let me tell you what Dev anand is? DEV IS MAN WHO LIVED KRISHNA'S GITA IN HIS WHOLE LIFE.Your whole life is waste if you have not understod this Karmyogi.It is very difficult to see a person of respected DEV SAAB's kind again.RIP Dev SAAB.
markandey katju,
Dev Saheb gave all his life to cinema. I am sure you too love his songs and movies so whats the problem if that so deserving MAN got a front page coverage on his death for on day.
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