By TwoCircles.net staff reporter,
PEACE Hyderabad, a coalition of concerned citizens and NGOs, has organised “Let’s talk”, a dialogue on the Media and its Responsibilities, on 11th November 2008 at Madina Education Centre, Hyderabad. A group of concerned citizens interacted with senior journalists on various issues of concern, like media and prejudice, its role in removing ‘victim mentality’, media and credibility, its role in fostering harmony, and on issues of terrorism and minority appeasement.
The following speakers represented the concerned citizens in this dialogue: Associate facilitator (conflict resolution) at the Henry Martyn Institute Ms Arshia Ayub, freelance journalist and executive committee member of Chennai based Harmony India Mr. A.Faizur Rahman, Professor of Political Science Rama S. Melkote, eminent scientist and founder of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), widely regarded as the architect of modern biology in India Dr. P.M.Bhargava, senior advocate Mr. L.Ravi Chander, noted social activist and Officer of the Order of Canada (2006) Dr. Vithal Rajan, Major Quadri, senior advocate Mr. Shafeeq Rehman Mahajir, and social activist Mr. Ghiasuddin Akber.
Mr Ghazanfar Ali Khan, Chief of Bureau, Munsif, Mr Venkateswarlu, Deputy Chief of Bureau, The Hindu, Mr M.A.Raheem, Editorial Adviser, Rashtriya Sahara, Mr Amarnath, Secretary, Indian Journalists Union and other senior journalists participated in the Dialogue.
Ms Arshia Ahmed Ayub facilitated the session. In her introductory remarks, she said that this dialogue is a first in the series of dialogues of the civil society with various influential sections of society like the media, the police, the bureaucrats etc. The dialogue is meant for sharing serious concerns about the developments in the society and not for blaming any section of the society.
Media should not prejudge
Mr Faizur Rahman spoke about how the Muslim community has been demonized all over the world, through biased media reports. While acknowledging some brave reports of mainstream newspapers, he however said that reporters tend to base their reports on the biased versions of the intelligence agencies and the police. Anti-social elements get more focus than innocent victims of discrimination.
Responding to Mr Rahman’s statements, Mr Venkateswarlu said investigations and trials take a long time. Most information comes from the police and the intelligence. Mr M.A.Raheem said indeed the police and the media jump to conclusions whenever there is a terrorist act. He cited examples of how higher police officials feign ignorance of ground realities in the aftermath of an act of violence. Mr Amarnath said the press does not have the wherewithal and the training to conduct independent investigation. The press is overcautious and thus reports the police version. Moffusil reporters are especially overawed by the intelligence officials. He said one could report to Press Council if the media is found to be erring in its duty. Mr Ghazanfar Ali Khan said nowadays investigative journalism meant sensationalism. He said a lot of prejudice and preconceived notions against Muslim community could be found in the electronic media. He emphasized the fact that no religion should be associated with terrorism. Prof Rama Melkote wondered why citizens’ versions are not taken into account by the media.
Terrorism
Dr Vithal Rajan said it is not right to link any religion with terrorism. He found the hunger of imperialist US government for middle-east oil behind the global level propaganda against Muslims. Media should expose the real agenda behind the propaganda. He said alienation between the police and communities, between the powerful and the voiceless is at the root of one community being labeled as terrorist. He appealed to the media to make news both interesting and knowledgeable. He remarked that an average middle class Hindu is now prejudiced against Muslims and media has a role in changing the prejudice.
Mr Ghazanfar Ali Khan said that the current domination of police reports in the media can be played down and substituted by alternative reports. He said electronic media has crossed all limits of decency. Mr Venkateshwarlu said that if we respect the rule of law we need to respect the official version. Mr M.A.Raheem suggested that there should be a regulating authority for controlling media. Responding to this suggestion, Mr Amarnath said the present the purview of the existing Press Council should be broadened to include electronic media and be bestowed more powers. Dr Vithal Rajan said communities are breaking down due to their voicelessness and the media should voice their concerns.
To Mr Ghiasuddin Akber’s comment that media does not carry the victims’ versions, Mr Ghazanfar Ali Khan objected by saying that enough space is given to the victims’ accounts.
Media and Credibility
Mr L.Ravi Chander asked whether the journalists depend on government / intelligence / police report for everything. He questioned why the newspapers did not carry human interest stories on innocent victims like Junaid in the aftemath of the arrests of innocent Muslim boys in connection with Mecca Masjid blasts.
Reacting to Mr Ravi Chander’s statements, Mr Amarnath said like other professions, journalism is also a victim of globalisation and liberalization. The managements want only soft stories. Commercialisation of newspapers is a matter of concern. Mr Venkateshwarlu also pointed out that while some slip-ups are inevitable, mainstream newspapers always came forward, as in Gujarat riots, to cover human interest stories. Mr Faizur Rahman said that moderate Muslims should be given a chance to voice their opinions. He requested the media to popularize Muslim culture.
How can Media remove “Victim Mentality”?
Prof Rama Melkote stressed on the build-up of a victim mentality by the press, ghettoisation and branding of a community. She felt that all sections of society are participating in presenting this convenient label of the “other”, and victimization. The vernacular press in particular report events in a different light, she pointed out. Newspapers have responsibility to project news that makes a reader think, not accuse a section of society. Why is it that events that are reported are not given a chance to be judged by the rule of law? Can newspapers become agents of change? Muslims are struggling, she felt, and they need to be given an opportunity to rise. Media has a big responsibilty to play in changing the victim mentality.
How can Media foster Peace and Harmony?
Dr P.M. Bhargava said Indian media is one of the best in the world. Yet they do not talk about the disconnect between the government and the civil society. He remarked that unless the whole world becomes a knowledge-based society, there would not be universal peace. He said media should emphasise that diversity is the greatest asset of India. Quoting from a great Islamic scholar he said in Islam there is no sanction whatsoever for terrorism.
Mr Ghazanfar Ali Khan welcomed Dr Bhargava’s suggestions. Mr Venkateshwarlu wanted to know how the disconnect can be addressed. Dr Bhargava said the disconnect is produced by the electoral system itself, wherein a candidate securing 3% of votes can also occupy public office. Media should highlight the systems that produce this disconnect. Mr Faizur Rahman pointed out that even while talking about taking Sachar Committee Report into account, the Finance Minister showed discrimination against minorities in his budget allocations.
Media as a Change Agent
Mr Shafeeq Mahajir said that there is a perception in the society that media is biased. We need to take this perception seriously. He said media can maintain its independence by putting the official versions under scrutiny and by setting high standards of transparency and veracity. He invited the media to participate in the mission to change society for the better.
Conclusion
Ms Arshia thanked all the media representatives for taking an active part in the dialogue and hoped for taking the process forward.