Trial by fire??? Old phrase. Trial by Media, is what it seems to be replaced with. Media, which is capable of permeating opinions, is holding court and sometime even passing judgement, reaching hasty conclusions and maybe, maybe influencing the final judgement. And, I am not talking of only legal opinion.
Sometimes, I feel, the media trial is done without the due research a case deserves. In a rush to win TRPs, to present a juicy case, to make loud discussions with a varied panel, a due diligence is not done. I feel that this mad rush can influence the investigations and get the public adrenaline rushing. So, be it the Arushi or Sheena murder, everyone has an opinion. The legal process and investigation be damned.
No one can deny the impact the media has on public opinion. The media treads on delicate ground, the balance needs to be very fine. I must admit that the coverage of Nirbhaya rape case and the following protests, the Anna movement and the horrifying cases of exploitation of kids and women happening all around with alarming regularity, healthcare, state of shelters for homeless....other issues which as citizens we should be alert about, were & are covered well. It was imperative that the public understands what the public thinks, rather than believe what is doled out by the vested interests, as they would want the public to think.
Having said that, are we wrong in expecting a balanced coverage of issues ravaging the country? No. The public trusts the media reports, so they need to be mindful of the same. Give the bare details, do not pass judgement. And, please report other issues as well!!!
It is a position of responsibility. Handle with care. Report and do not aspire for an armchair judicial position in the country.
Sometimes, I feel, the media trial is done without the due research a case deserves. In a rush to win TRPs, to present a juicy case, to make loud discussions with a varied panel, a due diligence is not done. I feel that this mad rush can influence the investigations and get the public adrenaline rushing. So, be it the Arushi or Sheena murder, everyone has an opinion. The legal process and investigation be damned.
No one can deny the impact the media has on public opinion. The media treads on delicate ground, the balance needs to be very fine. I must admit that the coverage of Nirbhaya rape case and the following protests, the Anna movement and the horrifying cases of exploitation of kids and women happening all around with alarming regularity, healthcare, state of shelters for homeless....other issues which as citizens we should be alert about, were & are covered well. It was imperative that the public understands what the public thinks, rather than believe what is doled out by the vested interests, as they would want the public to think.
Having said that, are we wrong in expecting a balanced coverage of issues ravaging the country? No. The public trusts the media reports, so they need to be mindful of the same. Give the bare details, do not pass judgement. And, please report other issues as well!!!
It is a position of responsibility. Handle with care. Report and do not aspire for an armchair judicial position in the country.
