Editor,
Is there such a thing as ‘Journalism’ in Meghalaya? Does ‘Journalism’ in Meghalaya display professionalism? How do we define ‘news’ in Meghalaya? We have seen a pattern or tendency towards sensationalisation, opinionisation, regurgitation, fear-mongering reporting, biases etc. To cite one example;
Covid 19 reporting has exposed the disappearance of professionalism as depicted by the behaviour of articulation, interpretation and pattern of reporting. Most reports have only generated fear, biases and downright lack of foresight, sensitivity, verification of data (definitions) and analysis. Other Public Health issues (including Mental Health), data analysis and verification flew out the door; it seems they are not taken into consideration. Media houses require objective analysis and presentation of facts. The fourth pillar has become the government spokesperson but not a judicious, conscientious public-centred presentation of facts and views. Facts are crucial and precious. Without facts there is no news, it ceases to exist.
News articulation and interpretation is loaded with emotive language; only a few strands of logical reasoning and rationality can be gathered. News reporting focuses on appeal and sentiments. News reports are the fulcrum of collective societal views formation, that creates mass psychosis or bliss. The future is built on the perspectives formed or adhered to. Media house digital and analog section have a greater responsibility towards building a sane conscientious society. We are living in a developing State where the majority population is are yet to have the capacity to comprehend the nuances of a complicated world and rampant rapacious politics. Therefore, the media plays a crucial role in taming the flames and the faculty of thought and reasoning.
Journalism in Meghalaya still leans towards commercialisation since it is the backbone of media existence. Is there a professional editorial board that can sieve through the friction between commerce and journalistic ethics?
Have journalists of all hues and shades asked tough question that are hard to swallow? If there are such instances, are these tough indigestible questions targeted only towards a section of community, individual or authority? Where is investigative journalism that focuses on unraveling certain important issues. I think Investigative Journalism requires the mind, energy, grit and integrity of a researcher; do we have one within the umbrella of Meghalaya’s journalism? Recently we have seen common people on their own effort through the RTI exposing various discrepancies and irregularities.
We have recently seen various survey reports on the state of education, economy etc. by certain institutes, NITI AYOG, organizations. Our government has provided a different point of view and counter-argument towards these reports. In this context, the public need to know the existing state of affairs, and here lies the role of the media to verify and look into the facts and analysis.
There is no festivity in journalism and election is not a festival, Media houses need to tame their tendencies, as much as they can. They need to provide objective reports on things and events. Elections are won and lost on how the media performs its duties and obligations.
Lastly, Is there a selective journalistic credo? Is there a hidden agenda of self-image construction in Meghalaya journalism? If there is such a thing, I think Journalism has abandoned one of its core Principle. In an ideal world, true journalism has no ideology or party politics and true bred hard-boiled journalists are the poorest.
Yours etc.,
Ubahunlang D Tmar,
Via email
Great moves by the new DGP against drugs
Editor,
Soon after the publication of my previous letter on the drug menace entitled “War on drugs a must” (ST 31st May ’22) I got to know more shady secrets. It was because some anxious parents came forward to share with me other nuances of unspeakable facts concerning how drugs percolate in the various strata of society. At first I wondered in disbelief! However, when I came across the news item the other day — “State police chief seeks public help in fight against drugs” (ST 21st July, 2022) I heaved a sigh of relief. Here the DGP himself earnestly sought the support of the public. It is, in fact, the need of the hour. Without taking the support of the common people the war on drugs is not easy to wage. The present DGP has clearly sent out a very positive signal. To build public confidence the police chief has personally gone around to meet the Rangbah Shnong, Dorbar Shnong and ordinary people. Hope this unprecedented move by the DGP “percolates” into the entire police department across the state.
Well, if the enforcement machinery gives the “friendly” knock on the doors of the public; more importantly, those who are bearing the brunt, a lot can be achieved. Whether one agrees or not, normally people “fear” crossing the threshold of police stations. So, this must stop now! People-friendly policing is imperative. What the caress of love can do, the fear of the scepter cannot!
Of course, the rampant drug abuse among the youth is a serious scourge of modern times. Meghalaya is adversely affected. The government must consider adopting every possible measure just as the Assam government has done in the last one year. It should not shy away from tweaking the acts and laws to give more teeth to the enforcement agencies. Developing a friendly “rapport” with the common people gives the police more leverage in probing and catching hold of culprits. Please note the culprits are in various avatars! It would also be advisable for the government to provide a toll-free number through which people can also share their inputs in anonymity. Let’s all join hands in support of the police force in our collective fight against drug abuse/dealers. The state has achieved much in this direction soon after the new DGP has taken charge.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong