India media

During this India trip, i found a new respect for Indian media. They are actually doing a good job in making the govt. accountable for its actions. It is doing the function of an opposition party.

For example, it brought out issues on Bhopal gas tragedy, honor killings, physical punishments in schools etc. I was very impressed with the local newspaper Prabhat khabar in ranchi which was doing a great job in exposing corruption in ranchi govt. offices. Incidentally its motto is Akhbhar nahin, Aandolan.

The American media, which is either leftist, or right or trying to be both. Often American media has failed to question the govt. decisions, it generally affirms the govt.'s point of view and after reading Manufacturing consent by Noam Chomsky, i agree with him that American media helps the govt. a lot in pushing forward its policies, justifying their actions. So much and so that Jon Stewart's satire show is the source of news for many people here.

Compared to the American media, India media atleast questions the govt. Ofcourse there is a lot more fool hardiness in Indian system but atleast the media is taking a stand. The journalists are risking something for such news. Along with Indian judiciary, i felt grateful for Indian media. Way to go.

But there are many areas for improvisation in Indian media. My main issues is that Indian media is largely driven my middle class issues. It can be understood as most of the journalists and reporters are middle class people and only identify to middle class issues. For example, honor killings is very prevalent in lower sections but it never made headlines until it happened to an industrial family in delhi. The lower class also needs representation at national level media. Ofcourse, the local media does bring up local issues which includes lower sections but it is not enough.

I no longer have any comments on Indian news's idea of sensationalizing every bit of news. Nor do i hate that idolatory attitudes towards celebrities. These are just part of the parcel and they also have to make money. I am sure time will pass and these things will be not a norm.