Journalism for sale

The editorial “Journalism for sale” (Oct. 31) and the article by Neena Vyas elucidate how money barons are entrenched in our polity as king-makers dictating terms to elected governments. That with their financial clout the Reddy brothers of Karnataka set out to topple the Yeddyurappa government goes to show that the monetary extravaganza exhibited by them during elections is only a pittance and that they can go beyond the elections.

R.M. Manoharan,

Chennai

The editorial on the politician-media nexus is not a revelation. The advent of the electronic media and the competition among the television news channels have pushed news far behind. It is dismaying to see anchors, who have probably never heard or read about personalities of the 1970s and 1980s and do no proper homework, asking embarrassing and basic questions.

When did we last see a report on the growing social, cultural and digital divide between the urban and rural classes? There is hardly any attempt to focus on serious issues. We need more media watchers to keep the dime-a-dozen television channels on toes and take corrective measures.

V. Sriharsha,

New Delhi

The freedom of press is a myth. Journalists, definitely not all, are the most fettered lot. They have to tow the political line of the media house they serve. Sometimes, news is tailored to suit the ideology of a TV channel or newspaper. Often, we find journalists donning the role of party spokespersons. They are all doing immense harm to the noble profession of journalism.

U.K. Pal,

Kolkata

There is no law in India to control the media from campaigning for candidates who pay for coverage. All MLAs of Maharashtra and Karnataka who won through such dubious coverage should be dismissed. The media should tender a public apology. Unless this is done, the Indian democracy will become the largest election market in the world.

Paul Kuzhor,

Dubai