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Don’t Let Biased Media Off the Hook: Why We Should Care About Honest Journalism

 


Imagine a small village where the town crier is the only source of news. One day, he starts telling tales that always paint the mayor in a golden light, no matter what the mayor does. The villagers, who rely on this crier for their information, begin to believe that the mayor can do no wrong. This sounds like a quaint story from a bygone era, but it’s happening today on a much larger scale with what’s known as “Godi Media” in India—media that acts as a cheerleader for those in power rather than a watchdog. Let’s delve into why honest journalism is critical and why the media industry needs to step up.

The Hidden Perils of Biased Media

When media outlets prioritize corporate interests or political allegiances over truth, they undermine the very fabric of democracy. For instance, a 2020 survey by Reuters Institute revealed that only 38% of Indians trust their news media, a stark reminder of the eroding faith in journalistic integrity . This trust deficit isn't just a statistic; it has real-world consequences.

Truth: The Bedrock of Democracy

Accurate reporting is essential for an informed citizenry. When the media obscures the truth, it creates a population that is misinformed and thus, less capable of making decisions in their own best interest. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, biased reporting and misinformation led to confusion and public health risks. If the media had uniformly prioritized factual reporting, perhaps the public response could have been more cohesive and effective.

Accountability: Holding Power in Check

Journalists are often referred to as the "fourth estate," highlighting their role in holding power to account. When media fails in this role, corruption and abuse of power go unchecked. A classic example is the Watergate scandal in the United States. It was persistent and fearless reporting by journalists that ultimately led to President Nixon's resignation. Imagine if those journalists had been more concerned with staying in the good graces of the powerful?

Public Trust: The Glue That Holds Society Together

Trust in media is not just about feeling good; it's about maintaining a functional society. When people trust the media, they are more likely to engage with and believe in the democratic process. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, media is the least trusted institution globally, with a trust level of 51% . Restoring this trust means ensuring that journalism is committed to truth and accountability.

The Role of Media in Nation-Building

The media should focus on issues that affect the masses—like poverty, healthcare, education, and corruption—rather than celebrity weddings or the latest antics of industrial magnates. Investigative journalism can spotlight systemic issues, pressuring authorities to take corrective action. For example, a series of reports by The Indian Express on the 2G spectrum scam played a crucial role in bringing to light one of the largest corruption scandals in India’s history.

Why Tough Questions Matter

Raising tough questions isn't just a professional obligation for journalists; it’s essential for their survival. When media outlets act as the mouthpiece of the powerful, they risk their credibility and relevance. Honest journalism without corporate interests can act as a catalyst for social change, bringing about reforms that can uplift the downtrodden.

Conclusion: The Way Forward

In a rapidly changing world, where information is abundant but often unreliable, the media’s role as the guardian of truth and justice is more important than ever. By committing to honest journalism, media houses can rebuild public trust, hold the powerful accountable, and contribute to nation-building. Let’s support and demand a media that serves the people rather than powerful politicians and industrialists. After all, if the media doesn't raise the tough questions, who will?

So, what kind of media do we really want in our society?

References:

  1. Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2020: Provides insights into media trust levels globally.
  2. Edelman Trust Barometer 2020: Highlights the trust levels in different institutions, including the media.


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