Public uprising against corruption in media

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Public uprising against corruption in media - sooner than later

sneha kothawade

13 April, 2011

People assembled at India Gate to celebrate breaking of Anna's fast did not allow a tainted journalist to cover the news of the anti-graft law, just like Anna didn't allow a corrupt minister Sharad Pawar to chair the committee!

WE STAND today in the post-Anna period of India’s history. This is a period when the presumption that public is ‘ignorant’, ‘passive’, and ‘has forgotten how to take to the streets’ - no more stands true. If the reasons of the cause afflicts them, if they are given a platform where they can express their plight and register their protest, if they trust the integrity of people giving the clarion call - people will put aside their peronal and professional lives for sometime and come onto the street to support pro-people steps and legislations.

Yes, the public from all classes, professions, regions and religions can come together, without a mêlée. Being a witness to all the five days and a couple of nights at Jantar Mantar, I can vouch that the so-called masses, have demonstrated to each other, and to the government, that united we stand.

There is a new-found confidence in the public that when they decide so, they can compel an entire government to stoop. And it is this very public sentiment, which explains what occurred at India gate on the evening of April 9.

People had assembled for a candle-light vigil and for celebrating the end of Anna’s fast. It was a pure victory of the people that the government was compelled to concede to all the demands of the campaigners.

A leading journalist of a leading English news channel, who recently came under the corruption scanner in the Radiagate scandal had to face the ire of angry people, when she went to record a live show on corruption. Typically, people are in a tussle to appear on the camera of a national media channel. But events were to take a different turn on this day.

Someone mentioned that "Isn’t this journalist, an accomplice of Nira Radia, then what moral authority she has to do this show on anti-corruption." People around nodded, each telling tidbits from Radia tapes, and criticised the journalist.

Those gathered, who were until now shouting ‘Inquilaab Zindabaad’, in no time, shouted slogans against the senior journalist and asked her to 'Go Back.’ The atmosphere was electric. Public was aggressive and determined. Just like they didn’t allow Sharad Pawar to chair the committee making the anti-graft law, similarly they wouldn’t allow a tainted journalist, no matter how famous or senior she is, to do the show that was essentially on anti-corruption.

This is the post-Anna public. And their message to journalists and media is also loud and clear.

Appearing on TV screens might make you a known face but doesn’t make you a popular person. Being at a high position in national media company might fetch you handsome salary, but you still have to earn your credibility.

Sitting in studios cannot insulate you from public scrutiny. And there is no reason to believe that the India that has risen against corruption in bureaucracy, politics and judiciary, would tolerate it in media.