Who is interested in better governance?
A few weekends ago (March 25, 2007), I was interviewed by a Malayalam m
edia organization that publishes a weekly newspaper and a monthly magazine in Kerala and the Gulf. I got to talk to the editor confidentially, and asked how much independence he has in covering the stories he wants to. He says that no newspaper owner in India – even Malayala Manorama – will permit publication of articles that would hurt their revenues. As a rule, most papers do not publish articles criticizing any of the wrong doings of their advertisers. In fact, editors are encouraged to “consult” companies to obtain “stories of interest” (that benefit the company). Consequently, you would not see much by way of articles on pollution, consumer safety, fraudulent practices, and other misdeeds by companies.
It seems to me that there is very little incentive for companies to work toward reducing corruption or improving the press. They can afford to bribe the officials. A weak press might be in their best interest. It is the rest of the population – ordinary citizens– who are affected by bad governance.
I would appreciate your views on the above.
Please visit us at www.tgfworld.org and www.indiauntouched.com
edia organization that publishes a weekly newspaper and a monthly magazine in Kerala and the Gulf. I got to talk to the editor confidentially, and asked how much independence he has in covering the stories he wants to. He says that no newspaper owner in India – even Malayala Manorama – will permit publication of articles that would hurt their revenues. As a rule, most papers do not publish articles criticizing any of the wrong doings of their advertisers. In fact, editors are encouraged to “consult” companies to obtain “stories of interest” (that benefit the company). Consequently, you would not see much by way of articles on pollution, consumer safety, fraudulent practices, and other misdeeds by companies.
It seems to me that there is very little incentive for companies to work toward reducing corruption or improving the press. They can afford to bribe the officials. A weak press might be in their best interest. It is the rest of the population – ordinary citizens– who are affected by bad governance.
I would appreciate your views on the above.
Please visit us at www.tgfworld.org and www.indiauntouched.com
Comments
It is very pathetic that the Indian media is not concerned about the true threats that are facing us in developing our country.Instead it is providing trivial issues with exaggurated sensation.Bollywood and cricket dominate our news channels than poverty alleviation issues.
Its high time that things have to change and we should clearly make people understand that what we see ,read and hear from the media is not what is happening actually.
But this will shoot off ina Catch22 situation. The more ignorant we are about the truth , the more easier it gets to take up deceit.. the more we hear about, the less we can do about it.
Why dont we each of us plunge more into our duties as Citizens and do atleast the little we can ? Each one of us look after ourselves and our duties, that would mount up to a majority of us in the country doing good. With our actions, let each of us be example to the rest.