Unfair charge of media sensationalism
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: September 15, 2012 -
In his book, A History of News, Mitchell Stephens, who is a Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication in New York University, traced sensationalism in media even in the Ancient Roman Acta Diurna.
These were official notices and announcements which were presented daily on the public message boards to generate enthusiasm among the people.
Sensationalism was also used in books of the 16th and 17th century to teach moral lessons. According to Stevens, sensationalism brought the news to a new audience, who are further educated and encouraged to take interest in the news.
Although Stevens has only noted the good aspect, sensationalism in media does have its flipside.
There is always the possibility for over-hyping 'insignificant' news or events that do not have overall influence in the society just to increase viewership in case of electronic media or readership in the case of print media.
Moreover, the room for biasness in the presentation of the news or twisting the facts opens large when sensationalism steps in media reporting. So, this is bad journalism which needs to be discouraged.
Although media could never be exonerated from the charges of sensationalism in its reporting, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's assertion on the functioning of Indian media at a function of Kerala Union of Working Journalists at Kochi on Thursday needs to be analysed and understood in its correct perspective and context.
Dr Manmohan's remarks that 'media should avoid the desire to be sensational and exercise restraint so that nothing divides the society and country is written, broadcast or telecast' has come at a time when his UPA Government seems to have been cornered from all sides over numerous corruption cases and scandals.
Dr Manmohan should understand that one of the primary responsibilities of media is to report and investigate stories related to corruption at high places and it is just what media has been doing when it goes critical over the failings of the Government.
It is funny that media has always been accused of sensationalizing scandals only by those whose public image is harmed by the legitimate reporting of the scandal.
We just hope Mr Prime Minister is not falling into that category of people who point a finger at others without realizing that their own four fingers are pointing at them.
Touch wood.
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