The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Media coverage

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Thursday, Dec 04, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Media coverage

The Hindu has again shown the maturity and responsibility of a media institution sailing in its second century, in the manner in which it has reported and commented upon the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The editorial “Necessary but insufficient” (December 2) strikes an objective balance between the self-esteem of our nation and pragmatic considerations of avoiding a war. We have, for the first time, concrete evidence against groups in Pakistan who have masterminded the devilish attacks. Whether they were executed with the connivance of the ISI or otherwise, it is important to tackle Pakistan on the grounds of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1373 and make it answerable for the terrorist crimes perpetrated against India by its citizens. It is imperative that we take the issue to the UNSC without loss of time. Of course, in case this does not produce results, India has the option of taking direct action to defend its sovereignty. The manner in which some of the TV news channels constantly speculated about the commando action in Mumbai, and the live visuals portraying sensitive operations were certainly not in the best interests of national security.

In contrast, Praveen Swami’s report in The Hindu of Dec. 2 is a hallmark of responsible journalism even when the correspondent is privy to a lot of classified data and facts. The contemporary “competitive sensationalism” of media is most regrettable — when a national tragedy is projected like entertainment. The Hindu stands out among the admirable exceptions.

Dr. S. Krishnaswamy,

Chennai

* * *

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sureesh Mehta, is justified in getting upset over the electronic media’s coverage of the Mumbai terror attacks. The live coverage was outrageous. So is the post mortem being conducted now. All anchorpersons speak as though they are an authority on all subjects and seem to be experts in drawing action plans. The live coverage of the commandos’ movement was surely avoidable. It was well known that the terrorists were well-equipped and well-informed about their targets. Most of our commandos, I am sure, would not have been familiar with five-star hotels. In such a difficult situation, the live coverage of their operations was irresponsible.

R. Shahjahan,

New Delhi

* * *

Most of the news channels have no sense of priority. What purpose is served by repeatedly showing the horrifying visuals of the Mumbai terror attacks? The anchorpersons and reporters often quote people out of context to suit their agenda. This is negative journalism.

C.J. Davis,

Thrissur

* * *

Most of the time, the viewer gets the impression that the interviewers expect the answers they want from the person they talk to. If they cannot get them, they try to show the person in a poor light. In the name of freedom of expression, the electronic media create bias in the minds of viewers. Mature, responsible and evidence-based reporting has been replaced by callous, emotional reporting. The level of ignorance and immaturity which some journalists display makes us wonder whether they are qualified to talk to experts in various fields. Unbridled media freedom is as bad as no freedom at all.

M.M. Bheri,

Carmarthen

* * *

When the electronic media covered the Mumbai siege live, I was impressed. But by repeatedly focussing on the blasts and trying to influence the political decisions, they have fallen in my esteem. The media should support the government and not instigate the people to overthrow the government.

Seshasayee Gopi,

Chennai

* * *

The Indian officialdom bollixed up on its media performances. Despite numerous terror attacks on it, India has not been able to convince the world of its victimisation. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari seized the moment to appear on CNN’s “Larry King Live,” in which he said there was no evidence to suggest that the terrorist captured in Mumbai is a Pakistani. When will Indian politicians and diplomats realise that the battle of the minds and public relations are as important as the battles fought by our armed forces?

Rex S. Arul,

Smyrna

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