The media these days are all brawn, no brain, opines Enakshi. She critiques the media. An exclusive for Different Truths.

The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power. Because they control the minds of the masses.  ~ Malcolm X

Knowing the power media has, the ball is always in their court. But when caught on the crossroad of choosing between vice and virtue, the media, undoubtedly, chooses vice over virtue. In 1565, Paulo Veronese created a painting, The Choice of Hercules or The Choice Between Virtue and Vice, which was later considered to be an allegory. Vice refers to any immoral or wicked behaviour that gives one life of ease and pleasure, while virtue refers to a behaviour of high moral standards. The latter guarantees happiness and contentment in the long run. But I think that our media lacks this knowledge.

Often we have looked up to the media to get the updates about the ongoing event but seldom do we delve deeper into what goes into the making of news. While I completely respect the hard work and focus of the news reporters, I condemn their money-grubbing ways.

Often we have looked up to the media to get the updates about the ongoing event but seldom do we delve deeper into what goes into the making of news. While I completely respect the hard work and focus of the news reporters, I condemn their money-grubbing ways. More than a decade ago, Indian media played a crucial role during the assault on Mumbai by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT). The attack lasted for three days and was broadcast live on television, thanks to our media’s vigilantism. The media-terrorism symbiotic relationship has been a debatable topic for a very long time now. Several research papers and case studies have suggested the implication of media decisions that have directly or indirectly helped the terrorists. And sadly, the lesson has still not been learnt.

Why am I suddenly writing about all this? That’s because I recently watched Avrodh ( a web series on Sony LIV that traces the attack on Uri base) and propelled by the need to investigate the role of media in galvanizing terrorism, I did a little bit of research. Shockingly, research shows how media is still one of the most important stakeholders in the interstate crisis. Propagating false news, creating panic and eliciting chaos among the citizens are some of the things that media does reflecting its avaricious nature. Although the media has not been able to influence policymaking, it definitely has been able to manipulate how the issues are created and the news is consumed by the target audience.

Guided by apathy more than empathy, it is disappointing how media jumps the bandwagon and presents biased views catering to the taste of the viewers. Not only they deviate from the point of concern but also discuss topics that are totally futile. “Modern terrorism is media terrorism,” quotes  Joseph Jarab (Reporter, Czech Republic, Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group).

Guided by apathy more than empathy, it is disappointing how media jumps the bandwagon and presents biased views catering to the taste of the viewers. Not only they deviate from the point of concern but also discuss topics that are totally futile. “Modern terrorism is media terrorism,” quotes  Joseph Jarab (Reporter, Czech Republic, Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group). He mentions in his report about the aftermath of this dynamic reform in the media. It is shocking to read that the terrorists are using media as a catalyst to grab more attention than they deserve and terrorize on air. Right from telecasting about the whereabouts of celebrities to organising debates where the moderator doesn’t let the participants speak, media, these days, is all brawn and no brain.

I do not have a cable connection, for my husband and I do not watch that much television. During the weekends, when we watch the news on YouTube, it comes as an utter disappointment that nothing important is being shared. Just some weeks back, we wasted our time knowing about Amitabh Bachchan’s morning ablution details. Some days back, we were repulsed at the sight of the news reporters sitting inside a Rafael and describing the comfort. It is sickening to realise that the level of media is degrading day by day. With no more substantial content left to be shared, the opinions, too, have become biased. Eons ago if someone would have asked about what media could do, the answer would have definitely been ‘everything’. That’s because the media then was responsible, independent and professional.

It is sickening to realise that the level of media is degrading day by day. With no more substantial content left to be shared, the opinions, too, have become biased. Aeons ago if someone would have asked about what media could do, the answer would have definitely been ‘everything’. That’s because the media then was responsible, independent and professional.

Choosing their vices over virtue, the media has spoiled their purpose. It is even more disappointing that the people look forward to this objectionable news coverage. Well, the only positive thing about this whole ordeal is that both the parties benefit — the media can laugh all the way to the bank and the viewers can utilize their time by chewing the fat!

Photo from the Internet