A free media is the guardian of citizens’ rights and a safeguard against the excesses of authority. The Indian media has often played this role with courage and responsibility. But what happens when the guardian morphs into jury and judge? The electronic media, especially, is blurring the lines between investigation and opinion. The same TV media that relentlessly pursued justice for Jessica Lal today displays a brazen disregard for individuals’ rights and the due process of law. It passes off hidden agendas as facts, casually ruins reputations and bays for blood as it exploits the “power of the press”. The deplorable antics of some of our TV channels have shocked the world. This dangerous approach also risks losing credibility and inviting regulation which could lead to censorship. Is it the compulsion of TRP revenues at work, or an overweening hubris? And what can be done to restore a trusted and respected media?
Abhinandan Sekhri is a writer, director, producer and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Newslaundry and Small Screen.
More InfoKaruna Nundy is an Advocate at the Supreme Court of India and an international lawyer. Her litigation practise includes focus on constitutional and human rights law, commercial dispute resolution, tech regulation, media and criminal law.
More InfoAvirook Sen is an independent writer. He has been a reporter and editor for over 25 years, working in print, online and broadcast media. He has written on a wide range of subjects, from cricket to terrorism and, most recently, crime. His work has appeared regularly in prominent publications both in India and abroad.
More InfoNaghma Sahar is a Senior Broadcast Journalist at NDTV India. She currently hosts the evening Prime Time News and the Sunday Talk Show, “Hum Log” at NDTV India. She is also a Senior Fellow at ORF.
More InfoInvestigative journalism in India.
A straight talk by Aniruddha Bahal.
For The Motion: Hindol Sengupta, Shubhrastha
Against The Motion: Abhinav Chandrachud, Gurmehar Kaur
Chair: Raghav Bahl
What it means to be an Indian Muslim today
Ghazala Wahab in conversation with Sandip Roy