Media and Public, Halla Bol !!!!!!!

The media is important, no one denies it. However, when it misinterprets its mission statement and makes it a business. Profits, Advertiser satisfaction and expansion is of primary importance. Truth and the problems of society are side tracked or kept on the sidelines. Sometimes, they do report serious stuff, but do not follow up, thus dumping it on the side to search for scoops. It is their obsession with infotainment and graphic tabloidization which characterize their outlook.

When media functions like a hype machine or a gossip monger, the result for the state could be very devastating. The factor of hype machine is a double-edged sword. To highlight a particular problem, media needs to focus upon the problem in-depth. If it scratches at the surface, then it may not give the full picture to the audience. Perhaps, hype and tranquility are uncomfortable soul-mates. There are instances with which a hype has threatened state tranquility, whereas some hypes have bought problems into the mainstream and sorted out.

The second type of hype is called nowadays as Media Activism. However, for how long will media work as the slaves of the common man is debatable. The people have to speak out and tell the truth or highlight a problem so that a system can function properly. We cannot expect only the people performing. The simple combination of people, police, law, courts and government must work in tandem, so that problems can be tackled. The first move is BY THE PEOPLE.

However, it is media's obsession with entertainment which makes it guilty of Gossip mongering. The method with which it pursues celebrity scandals to please advertisers is simply not acceptable. If the media portray the suffering of the people in everyday life in such a manner, then you can have a normal state. But, to pursue it will take guts, because it wont be visually appealing to the so-called normal people, and this will enable them to wash their hands of the matter.

The film, by which the second part of the title is taken, could be accused of being too dramatic. But the message is clear. Media HAS to be on the side of the silent majority, the common man. The common man will suffer, if media functions as a tool for vested interests in society. This will create an unstable and unequal society, one which will make people loose faith in.

The recent events of non-Indian behavior by some renegade political members gives us enough reason to shatter the bubble of apathy. The fact is that by doing right, we could suffer isolation and taunts from sections of society who prefer the status quo. But, we have to stand up for what is right and bring in a sense of justice. The conscience of man has to be awakened, the media has to get priorities right, only then we can have a normal society, where people are safe and secure.