The evolution of Indian news channels has indeed been a big story in itself. But, over the years, is our media turning more and more insensitive and judgmental?
The cut throat competition among the channels is often driving them to take up a more pro-active role in the society. The sting operations have over the time lost the credibility to a large extent, though they still retain the shock value.
But, the way in which the media is taking up judgmental tone is disturbing to a casual audience. This aspect is amply seen in the coverage of the Arushi murder case. The media is so much obsessed with the sensational case that it acts like a super authority, dissecting each and every move of the investigating agencies. It is true that the investigating agencies have been anything but professional in their conduct. Still, the question remains as to where the lines should be drawn for a media obsessed with ‘breaking news’. These days, the investigation in to the recent bomb blasts is also being handled in the same insensitive manner. Each arrest, each claim and revelations by the police force of different states is being judged upon by these channels.
If a case has already been fully investigated and the report by the investigating agency has been submitted to the competent authority, there is room for analyzing and debating the same. But, when the investigations are far from over, isn’t it for the courts to examine the evidence and verify the truth of the findings made by the police?
The media should limit itself to reporting the progress of the investigation. They have no right to sit on judgment as to whether a person is guilty or not.
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