Media Ethics

Is there such a thing as Media Ethics? Is there a law by which any media personnel should go by? Or is it purely moral of the self? I being in the media field (well starting to) am quite appalled to find that Journalist in the country can sometimes be rude and arrogant.

Take the recent Delhi bomb-blast for that matter.  I was tuning in to a channel where there was a discussion on the lack of security in major hot-spots of the country and how more CCTV would help fight against terrorism. What stood out to me was the anchor’s attitude towards the various government representatives on the show. First she asked a question, a critical one. And yes, it is human nature to defend for oneself when somebody strongly shoots you with such questions. And so, the government representative did. Now, I would expect the anchor to listen to the guest as she assess her faults and how the government was reacting to it, and then if need be, raise more question on the issue. But instead, time and time again, the anchor would interrupt, trying to make her point clear within the discussion, so much so that the guest would plead the anchor to listen for a while until she was done talking.

In my honest opinion, I feel at a time like this, where the country is in mourning because of the tragedy, that everyone should be a comforter for the other. And not create a blaming game. That can come later when there is a thorough investigation. And to hold such talk-shows, almost immediately after the incident was quite surprising for me. The show does not answer questions, nor those it help to console the people. In fact, I believe, it merely heightens the level of chaos in the city.

I turned on the TV to know more about the incident. But then I was held to listen to this unnecessary debate where the anchor was causing havoc among the guest. That was exactly what it should have been – a debate. Where the anchor would be the moderator and not shout “WHY WHY WHY!” any chance she gets.

Yes, the people may have been upset and deeply hurt by the incident. But journalist should be able to keep their emotions in check.