I had thought of trying to avoid dealing with something serious and textbook material - but then I guess to start off - this issue would interest any journalist or media student to start off with.
Well, this issue has been discussed threadbare and put to death in every other media studies and journalism class. But then, in spite of all the talk of free media - media regulation in the developing world and supposedly free media in the developed world - I guess it is high time we all let the cat out of the bag and discuss an open secret - that free media is more or less extinct.
Numerous instances in the western media - supposed to be at the pinnacle in terms of freedom of the press - vindicate the stand that the media in all its forms is invariably controlled and its direction steered by the powers that be. Sadly enough, respected publications such as the New York Times too have given in and have taken a pro-government stand on the Iraq war. Thomas Friedman - touted to be the next Walter Lippmann was supposedly bought over (or maybe caved into pressure) to support the Bush administration in their Iraq misadventure (bloggers might provide you more on this).
Advertorials have made their way into respectable international publications. So when money can buy you editorial space in the supposedly 'Free Media' - what remains is just a farce. Especially with the print media struggling on the revenue front and looking for newer avenues to remain in viable business, commercialisation seems to be ruling the roost.
The fact that the world's leading news agency's primary revenue generating business is its financial news arm is an indicator of the scheme of things. I guess what we have now is an edited form of the media - even before it reaches the editor's desk. News is not what we get from the newspapers - it is out there and being ignored at the cost of the affluent readership of the newspapers.
To quote an example - we all heard of various stories happening in Mumbai on 26/7. But honestly, tell me, how many of us know of what happened to thousands of slums in Govandi? We all heard of Air India Colony - Kalina made news on the international front. But then - they could at least climb onto their terraces - where do the slum dwellers go?
Well, let me have this very clear - I am no slum welfare activist - this example was quoted to me by a Professor from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. This was just an example to illustrate that it is money that counts. It all finally boils down to economics - plain economics. The Times Group makes no bones about stating this very clearly - our target group is the cream layer - around 12% of the population provides for more than 70% of the revenue - so doesn't it make sense to cater to their taste (read page 3) ?
In the present scenario, aren't commercial interests dictating the tone and direction of our supposedly free press?? (I guess it is a subtle but smart way to control the press). Think about it!
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5 comments:
Ah. No Anon comments allowed!
A good start. Wishing you all the very best
i think dat media is a real strong weapon. i think it can kik ne ass. its a shame its begun 2 doubt its own abilities.
Dear Yasir,
Well, Media is a strong weapon no doubt. But then, venture into the real world and experience the ground realities. What I actually want to make as a strong point here is that commercial interests are actually subserving the freedom of the media.
That the commercial leanings of any media house actually limit the scope of its publication is the point I want to drive home.
Well I do not doubt...I certainly feel tht free media does not exists...and even if it does, it has hardly any impact or action in the society. You have rightly commented on the media monopoly and advertorials. Hope some media powerhouse biggie reads the above article and help change the media scenario and its biases BECAUSE the action has to come from them.
On a slightly tangential note:
I would imagine the media is a reflection of the times we live in.
There is an increasing apathy and indifference coupled with the lack of a social or a civic conscience among the demographics that most of the large media houses target. Is it a surprise then that the media reflects this and, even, profits from it?
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