The first ever printing press was invented in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg, and introduced the world to the beginning of a printing revolution. From newspapers to news channels to the internet, the world has been taken by storm with the immediate spread of information and power these forms of communications hold. Over time, we’ve seen a transformation of what they used to be, to what they are now, and it is merely factual to note that every free, democracy’s constitution allows for the freedom of the press to its nation. This would be the majority of the world.
Let's take a closer look at the circulation of news, and where it has reached in India shall we?
I’d like to dwell on a more personal experience that brought me to my observations in the first place. As I was sitting at home in Jaipur, my grandfather turned on one of his regular Hindi news channels on the TV. At first I didn’t pay it much attention, but the deafening screaming and bickering just wouldn’t let me mind my own business. What I heard from then on however, wasn’t just deafening, but mind numbing as well.
The host of this specific channel, like the several others India has to offer, seemed particularly enraged in his speech and tone from the beginning itself. In fact, the first thing I heard him speak, or rather scream, was loosely translated to “She’s a student, tell her to read on actual facts, and google if she has to.” Fair enough? Not really. Though I cannot recite the entire transcript of the segment, I can affirm that the news anchor, took up the entire time where the interviewee spoke to say that exact statement. The only thing the television viewers actually heard her say was a vague sentence as to why she was protesting. I’d imagine if he’d have let the unnamed protester speak uninterrupted, maybe some of the facts he so earnestly was looking for, would have presented themselves to him.
My second observation was actually quite comical. I saw the anchor utilise a feedback trick I was taught in the 4th grade, as a technique for persuasive writing, though I wouldn’t say it was being used for the same purpose here. Courtesy of my then teacher Ms. Michael, we learned that it was quite effective to give a compliment, squeeze in the constructive criticism in the middle, and top it off again with another heart felt compliment. The news anchor however, made it clear to utilise precisely 2 seconds to say that “yes hey, police brutality is wrong” and proceeded to use the next 10, to mention how it was imperative that the citizens of this country must face consequences for their violence towards these officers as well. A strategic tactic to brush off a clear and very obviously unjust paradox; The illegality of actions conducted by the police officers themselves.
The common takeaway from not just televised news, but articles online as well, has pointed strongly towards being biased. The anchor’s weak argument said it all. The way he was quick to jump to the defence of very what are very obviously inhumane actions, and ignore any valid point made against his point of view, brought out a very immature aspect to an area of importance and seriousness. Not to mention, the convenience at which the opposing party was brought in to shame. Rather than a news telling, this seemed like a carefully orchestrated plan to appeal to- for lack of better words- boomer minds. It all narrows down to what is currently driving the world; money. The first priority for everybody is to earn their bread and maybe some butter too, so who’s to stop them when they take advantage of how fast and how much negativity sells? At the end of the day they’re getting what they work for.
A journalism degree in essence allows an already talented journalist to look at his/her environment like an alchemist and have the capability to transform even a subdued event into a sensational piece of news. A true journalist looks at their work as a piece of art that can influence the world for the better. So why is it that they still succumb to the chaotic nature of the media world to make their bread? Let’s just say, the internet and its aggrandisement have an equal if not bigger role to play in that. With technology advancing by the day, and telecommunications being a huge part of advertising, it is no question that viewership has consequently shot up in its importance. Time is no longer an obstruction and the online world enables that upgrade in the news world instantly. Without adverts and reading/watch time, the industry wouldn’t stand, so they do what needs to be done, often times disregarding the prime ethics and morale behind the art of journalism itself.
They say Rome wasn’t built in a day and it couldn’t be more true. Even in this fast growing world, change is still a slow and gradual process. While it is imperative that this moving art form must be removed from the shame it has been put into, it is even more important for viewers to be mindful about what they choose to read or watch. That, unlike the extreme effects of a money driven world, can be changed instantly. Making an active effort to switch the demand to what is actually substantial and useful will automatically affect supply correspondingly.
Before a revolution, it is critical for each and every one of us to begin to form opinions based on facts and balance our point of views. By triangulating our information through authentic sources we’ll gain a more wholistic approach to any issue worth our time, which is fundamentally a starting base point for any action we choose to take after. What’s trending isn’t always what’s admissible.
The goal is to read what is right, know what is right, and then demand for the change- and who can do that better than you?
Loved reading every bit
Loved your clarity. Keep writing