Most people will agree with Justice Markandey Katju's views on the electronic media (Nov. 16). Being visual, the electronic media have a greater influence on people's minds. In a country where the illiteracy level is high, more people depend on the electronic media for news and entertainment. No doubt they have played a significant role in bringing to light important issues such as corruption in high places, the poor state of health care in government hospitals and honour killings. But they need to play a more positive role to educate people on issues of national importance.
For this, they should set apart a portion of the time they use on entertainment.
V. Seetharamiah,
Bangalore
The article “Every particle is in a condition of half night” (Nov.16) was thought-provoking. Personally, it made me understand that what appears to be an act of thoughtlessness by the electronic media — as in the case of the coverage of Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar's visit to India — is not necessarily so. But it doesn't mean everything the media do is right. It is indeed time they introspected.
Sparsh Sharma,
Indore
Most sections of the media glorify glamour and ignore ‘Real India.' From the viewpoint of a class IX student, I feel Justice Katju has done the right thing by bringing the issue to the forefront. But it is not only the media but also people who are to blame for the state of affairs. They take socio-economic issues lightly while giving undue importance to film stars and fashion shows, which the media showcase as breaking news with pomp and splendour.
J. Anjali,
Ghaziabad
It is a fact that most sections of the media have gravitated towards sensationalism rather than focus on socio-economic issues. There is an urgent need for the media to introspect, maintain their accountability and address the issues that make them the target of criticism.
Arjun Phillips,
New Delhi
Often, the media make a mountain out of a molehill. They can play a major role in influencing development. This is not to say they have not played a significant role. But the absence of a watchdog has made them unaccountable. Television news channels are bent on outdoing one another in exaggeration.
Look at the soaps aired by various television channels. Women are projected as demons. Some serials distort history to make it suit an ideology. The electronic media are enjoying needless freedom. If they are not for coming under the purview of the Press Council, let them come up with an alternative. ‘Self-regulation' is not acceptable.
Syed H. Maqsood,
Hyderabad
