Honour Sanctity Of Media Profession

The entire world knows by now what big strides the media has taken in the past few decades to make this sector more accessible to all the people in the entire world. And this is done in a very simple manner, so you have information on different subjects from even distant places with just a click away from your mobile phone or computer. As this writer is an old timer, he knows the long and tedious process in printing newspapers at that time, when each and every word had to be put together through the hand compose system and then steadily begin the process of making one single page.

But this writer was also lucky enough to see the entry of computers and now digital systems, which rule roost in almost all media outlets at this time. At the same time, let us also delve on the issue of the misuse of technology by different individuals, who like to call themselves 'journalists', when they are actually seeking only to sensationalise some events for 'self-glorification' and also intimidate other individuals or organisations through pressure.

Distortion of truth 

But while these enthusiastic and young media persons may have to be blamed for intruding in the privacy of some, we should also not forget the conspiracy against national interests of certain media persons, who prompted the young minds for creating such an environment where the public is confused about what is the real truth. These people constantly boast about how Nepal has 'outdone' many other countries in developing the media, but they never reveal what their involvement has been for this development and who funded them for their role in spreading imaginary theories of the intentions of the political parties in power now. 

But this is not making a thrust at the intention of a certain group to build up an issue on a subject, which we will delve in now, where the much hyped 'free journalists' are also involved with the support of donors who want Nepali people to accept whatever populist slogans they want to promote. No one can ignore the tremendous influence of the media in how the people think, and this is where we must also remind those people in this profession to act more responsibly and also be accountable to the society.

What we are trying to do is, in revealing the misuse of the advanced technology for different purposes, including in making their so-called outlets, whether print or broadcast, more popular through sensational materials, which may not have any truth in it and also misinformation. This is a very bad development which tarnishes the image all the media sector and also disappoints many real journalists, who have dedicated their lives for the healthy growth of this sector which is responsible to not only inform the public, but to also create awareness about the wrong deeds being committed in the society knowingly or unknowingly by certain persons.

In the meantime, some accusations also have started to surface of how some influential industrialists have used the powerful media outlets they own to influence others and hide truths in print and broadcast news, that these canny business people support or some information about which they are against. None less than the respected halls of the Parliament have started to echo with such alarming allegations  of information being twisted, some facts hidden and  some stories either being unnecessarily given undue prominence, while some being totally overlooked as per the interest of the businessmen. 

Much to the disgust of the real professional and honest journalists, who want to see only a fair and well balanced news being distributed to their clients, such unprofessional practices seem to be increasing by the day. One prominent former minister revealed in a live interview of how only negative news about him were published relentlessly, when all he did was to deny a government license to the owner of a media group. That such allegations were being made by important ministers and members of the House of Representatives themselves was indeed a sad day for the entire media sector, which has contributed in its own way for giving an opportunity to many for making their voice heard by the people.

But that is not the last part of some sort of tug-of-war, we have been compelled to see between politicians and rich owners of some private media groups. We had to be witness to a businessman who accused one minister of arresting him in revenge against some news his outlets have been giving by outlets he owned. This writer knows that both have contributed in their own ways for the rapid development of the media in recent times, but both are also not so clear about the interests they may have in accusing each other of their own wrong doings. There was a time when the majority of journalists were not professionally trained in the art of journalism. These old timers were on a 'mission' to fulfil only their political aims and bring democracy to the nation. 

Well-trained young journalists

But now, the scenario has completely changed and we are seeing well-trained young journalists, who have the right questions, right analysis, the right attitude and also a right source to guide them, when they need such information and also video clips to further enrich their contents and make them more interesting. We don't have to turn the pages of dusty files to reflect on different issues which may be needed now to inform the clients more. The old ways are slowly giving way to the new technologies for the betterment of the entire world which seems to be even more hungry for information of not only one country or region, but developments being seen everywhere, including in the space.

But the power of the media should not be misutilised by any person, whether he or she is a minister, a powerful political leader or a journalist or even rich businessmen who own media outlets. The sanctity of this important sector, which looks after the differences in politics, development, tolerance  of each other and also the secure environment in the society, must be respected by all, so that we all can live in comfort and security, no matter which 'mission' we are following.

(The author is former chief editor of this daily.)