Manipal, February 21: Newspapers should reflect the dichotomies in the society. But it is unfortunate that Indian media has been following US corporate media model of having a largest media and least informed public, said development journalist P Sainath.
He was delivering a lecture, as part of Article-19, a communication fest of Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC), here.
“When it comes to mass media V/s mass reality fundamental features of Indian media are being disconnected. Corporatization of media has resulted in structural compulsion to lie,” he said.
“A good writer should be a good reader. The piece of writing should bring perspectives. Journalists are accountable to the society. He has the choice before him to b a journalist or a stenographer. His writings should reflect the shortcomings in the society. We do need writers like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B R Ambedkar who had insightful approach towards castes and communal issues,'' Sainath said.
“Over 141 farmers committed suicide in three days and over 800 attempted suicide. Over 6,600 farmers quit agriculture in three days. According to the National Crime Record Bureau 47 farmers commit suicide every day. About 4,000 died of malnutrition. In this scenario government of India writes off 4000 crore of taxes for the richest people in three days. It is unfortunate that media fails to focus on those issues,'' the Magsaysay award-winning writer added.
He said that it has become difficult to differentiate between real estate and fourth estate.
Honorary Director of MIC MV Kamath, Director of MIC Prof Vardesh Hiregange and others were present.
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