MEDIA BIAS

In my opinion media should not be biased. Like any other profession media too has its code of conduct. In any case, broadcasting, printing or radio media should maintain the standards. It is the media which acts as a mascot of the society. In consideration, in a country like India majority of the population is illiterate. This enables them to form an opinion on any particular issue. And the role of media comes in here. Their job is to guide such people in forming right opinion and coming to right conclusions.

The history proves that whenever the media has played the role of being biased it has led to tribulations in society. Whether it may be the case of Vietnam, Iraq where the western media was said to be pro US or it may be Indian regional media’s reporting during the `93 riots. The media could have just reported the facts instead of using adjectives while reporting. Under such sensitive circumstances media should go by the rulebook.

Media is a tool of ‘infotainment’. That is entertainment and information. But in recent times the media has declined more towards profit making than serving the social causes. They have made news a pure business. And in this profit making media has crossed limits being biased in reporting keeping aside the social cause.

Sometimes a personal bias of the reporter, editor or even the owner comes into play. On being a part of an organization one should always keep their personal biases aside. Media has a very progressive role in society. It should use its bias to construct and not to deconstruct the society. While covering a very sensitive issue one should strictly follow the norms of the organization.

If one tries to break rules, they should be punished accordingly. Here comes the role of PCI but PCI too needs to be given more punitive powers. It is up to the media to be more socially responsible and play the role of being the fourth pillar of society.