Paid News: A phenomenon

Since at IIJNM we are taught, groomed and expected to read, write, watch, eat, drink and breathe news...this post is also going to be about news. Paid News, to be more precise.

At the English Remedial classes today, that was our topic of discussion. Paid News. A phenomenon in Indian media. Though the discussion lasted for less than 30 minutes, it made me think. And anything that makes me think is worth pondering over more and penning it down to make sense of this senseless world ;-)

We were asked to read an article by Mr. Sanjay Kumar from The Diplomat. For those interested, the link is as follows: http://the-diplomat.com/indian-decade/2010/07/29/indias-paid-news-problem
It's an interesting and pretty straight forward article that talks about a phenomenon that has captured Indian media houses today. A journalist, by its preliminary definition, is expected to find out the truth. And, when the word 'paid' gets attached to the truth, it doesn't remain just truth anymore. It isn't shocking to read news reports on news that are paid, advertisements dominating both Print and Broadcast media and the thin line between advertising and 'advertorial' (a term used by Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai, if I am not wrong)
Debating and discussing about journalism, what is 'News', the integrity of a true, committed professional journalist, I wonder how rampant this phenomenon has become in the current scenario? Does money rule everywhere? Is the corporate house powerful enough to gobble up one of the crucial pillars of democracy? Can news be 'sold'(however weird and strange it may sound)? Are journalists paid for particular political leaning(s)? Do journalists develop and adapt their leanings and ideologies in accordance with the demand of the situation/circumstance/the authorities concerned?
If this is the case, it can have a two-way effect on youngsters (like me) who wish to pursue a life-long career in the field of journalism.
If the current state of affairs leaves you in despair, you might have second thoughts about choosing this field all together. Coz if you wanted to be a journalist primarily because you thought that this is one place where honesty and truth is respected, such trends should not only shock you but also discourage you from entering yet another corporate-ised(pardon my usage of this word) world
But, if you are interested and determined enough, such news should anger and upset you. To such an extent that you feel an urge to change the scenario. The urge to bring out the truth for the public to read/watch. The willingness to dig deep into the truth.

Our professor Mr. Ron Feemster tends to present both sides of view and encouraged us to think over this serious issue and find out both the optimistic and pessimistic side in today's class.
It might sound strange for those who know me...but despite being a hard-core (almost committed) pessimist, I see hope.
I see professionalism in this field. I see integrity. I see honesty. I see dedication, hard work and commitment. I see an immense amount of curiosity.
And, somewhere down the road...
....I see me.....

Dreams and Reality

Looking at the sky, I feel I am in a completely new world. And yet there seems to be a sense of belonging here...dono why. Never been here before, don't understand the local language (Kannada Gotilla!!) and I have a kind of notorious history with this city (the less talked about, the better)
And yet I feel at home. Is it because of the environment? The weather? The people? My work? My course? My belief? Or just me?
Honestly speaking, I don't even get the time to ponder over these seemingly unimportant issues. How I wish I could.
24 hours suddenly seem like 24 minutes to me.
They ask me if I feel homesick...I wonder if I do. I take time out to wonder if I do. And then...something else occupies my mind.

The other day I had a dream that bolted me out of sleep. Not because it was anything disturbing. But, sometimes, I feel, even dreams that are too pleasant make you lose your sleep. Guess we aren't prepared too much for anything---an excess of happiness or sadness is equally bad.
Appa was there. In the Hall. Came to wish me. Didn't care about his office. Didn't care about taking a leave. Didn't care about his health.
I woke up with a start.
I don't want this to be a reality.
Strange to say that coz I couldn't have hoped for a better surprise...

Is life weird? Or am I the culprit..??