Who will watch the watchdogs?

Sometimes, it is embarrassing to be called a journalist. And one such occasion was just recently, when a newspaper devoted its entire front page; unprecedented in itself, to the movement of Army troops to Delhi as a possible “coup.” The story belonged more to the ranks of fiction writers; with innuendoes replacing facts, and conjecture passing for news. Despite the flurry of strongly stated denials from the government and the Indian Army, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief stuck to the story for a day before dropping it like a burning hot potato altogether.

Several questions arise from this, and all have to do with journalism. On what basis was such a story written? Who planted it? Why did the newspaper not check it from the proper authorities within the Army and Defence Ministry? What kind of action is due?

And importantly, who is there to take any such action? The Press Council of India is a toothless & redundant body and there is not a single institute that can serve at least moral sanctions against erring newspapers and television channels; and make them apologise for baseless reports. The media is clear about not wanting any intervention by the government, and rightfully so. But in an atmosphere where a code of ethics does not exist, and basic norms of journalism are being flouted everyday, what can be done to ensure that freedom is respected and yet not violated.

Television news channels and sections of the print media have moved away from the basics of impartial reporting in the news pages, to comments and opinions that are no longer confined to the editorial pages. Reporters are encouraged to give their views about ongoing events, with information becoming secondary to opinion. Single source stories are being encouraged with the editorial guidance and control that is necessary to ensure that the facts have been checked at all levels and from all sides, slipping dramatically as news becomes linked entirely to the business rationale of ratings and advertisements. 

The situation needs to be addressed urgently. Bodies like the Editors Guild, perhaps, can rise to the occasion and play a role in effecting some kind of check on news from within. There is a need for introspection and quick action to keep news straight and narrow, instead of crossing all ethical lines. The watchdog cannot become a rabid dog, as it will then self-destruct.