Media Assumes New Role

Last few weeks of electronic media coverage seemed more like a fixation for delivering justice on the tube rather than balanced coverage of news from across the world. All media houses were continuously beaming the Ruchika case with old file reports showing the villain of molestation episode Mr. Rathore walking out of court with a wry smile on his face.

Strangely there is a predictable pattern to news bulletins and despite having a bouquet of channels to choose from, the viewer is left exasperated with same story being aired on all of them. There is immaculate precision, rather seamless coordination not only in sequencing of news content but also in recess timing for commercials among broadcast stations. Does Out-dated visuals and repetitive information make a story compelling? Comprehensive reporting on wide array of issues, national and international should form the core of disseminating information. That would at least evoke some interest among masses and keep them away from being stifled by stale banter.

Certainly, cases of this nature need to be brought to light and followed up to ensure that people wielding clout do not go scot-free after flouting the law. Indeed, it was a news channel (Times Now) that took up the cudgels in the exemplary Jessica Lal case that was languishing with no imminent progress, and garnered incredible public support to seal the fate of Manu Sharma. As a responsible media vehicle, its contribution in this case was laudable.

But, the media crusade against exploitation of any sort has gained such heightened momentum off-late that citizenry would after a point give up faith in judiciary of the land to believe, their case can attain expeditious resolution once it is on media radar. The premise of such perception stems from the inordinate delay in court cases reaching fruition and even after legal battles culminate, the pronounced Verdict is either not commensurate with the crime or there is always an option to appeal in higher courts to buy time.

Before this belief gets ingrained firmly, a serious revamp of judicial machinery with focus on fast tracking legal cases, setting up additional courts, appointing requisite number of prosecutors, judges to clear backlog cases etc should be thought out. Other facet in imparting justice is the role discharged by Law enforcement agencies which ought to be morally upright and incorruptible to not stoop under the pressures of bureaucracy. Probably, only then the media glare would shift to more significant issues.

Media and judiciary are two different disciplines with completely diverse functionality and prerogatives. It is not as if one establishment can take on the mantle of responsibility for other in case of an existing lacuna in either of them. Blurring of lines or infringement on jurisdiction of judiciary by media is an unnecessary digression. It serves them better to steer clear of criminal investigations and remain committed to bringing across more invigorating, socially relevant issues to the fore which would fetch more TRP’s.

Before this post is published on my blog, another molestation case (Churchill Brothers case) is making headlines in media as though they have assumed sole responsibility to espouse the righteous cause of fighting sexual crimes in the country. Getting justice delivered to victim and crucifying perpetrator through media trial was well received in the past. But, an attempt too many in this direction would tantamount to going overboard and is already causing fatigue among viewers of news channels.