Condoling the fact that tabloid journalism has been mixed with serious journalism, along with sensational news, senior journalist and Padma Shri awardee Alok Mehta has said that despite criticism, Indian media is independent and powerful but Its credibility assumption has waned.
“Newspaper journalism which was very strong earlier has today mixed with serious journalism in newspapers as well as TV channels. Entertainment is mixed with sensational news and sensationalized headlines to increase sales. Despite the fact that Indian news media is very strong, powerful and enjoys great independence, it suffers from issues of perception and its credibility has eroded over the years” said Mehta.
He was talking to Kailashnath Adhikari, MD, Governance Now, during the webcast of Visionary Talk Series organized by Public Policy and Governance Analysis Forum. Stating that even though the Indian news media is very strong and enjoys great independence, the veteran journalist and editor said that it suffers from issues of perception and its credibility has eroded over the years.
“While it is not correct to say that things are completely bad, today the media is not doing what it should have done. The editors/media owners should stay away from arrogance and accept constructive criticism fairly.” Mehta observed that the media has evolved and not in the last fifty years since independence. Newspapers and news channels across the country and news readership and consumption have increased over the years, yet the media is not able to do what it is supposed to do as it is competing with each other
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“Like before, the difference today is that media has expanded and people are able to express their views through YouTube or social media. Despite this, competition and competition against each other is hurting the media. It is not so much political interference but competition amongst themselves and criticism against their own allies which is harming the media. We are not ready to accept our shortcomings but are competing to be ahead of each other in the race.
Recalling several instances when some publications were closed due to mistakes made by earlier editors and problems escalated after several complaints by many of his colleagues and contemporaries, he said, “There was still harmony. Today the media has mentality that either you are with me or against me. Competition should be healthy.”
Speaking on reporting about Covid-19, Mehta, who is a recipient of several national and state awards, said that the media should self-regulate while reporting on the pandemic and keep their stories on the minds of children and elders at home. The effect should be taken into account. Who are facing depression due to heavy negative reporting on Kovid.
When asked whether the authenticity of news has been eroded, Mehta said that people tend to associate brands for the credibility of reporting and that credibility has been tarnished. News analysis should be left to the editorial.
“News reporting should be based on facts. Today everyone in India wants to comment with news. News analysis should be left to the editorial. But in India that demarcation has been broken. Today everyone is commenting on the news. Reporters are commenting on news and the demarcation between news and analysis is broken.
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