The Paid News Problem

Every time a journalist delivers a live report or newspaper write-up, he carries upon his shoulders a weight that would even make Atlas shrug. To serve as a watchdog of the nation's workings, to objectively provide citizens with accurate and reliable information, to identify the heroes and villains of society, and to offer a voice to the voiceless. Since The Bengal Gazette appeared in India in 1780, the character of journalism has undergone a tremendous change in the country. Along the way, unfortunately, these intrinsic journalistic ethics have been forgotten as we hear of the social menace of 'Paid News" in mainstream media. Put simply, it involves unethically acquiring media space by shelling out huge amounts of money. 

Our media, it seems, is now on sale.

The “paid news” phenomenon can be traced to the entertainment sections of the media, where PR agents began paying newspapers for promoting their clients. The weeks leading up to a film's release saw papers covered with stories of link-ups and controversies surrounding the lead actors. While not the pinnacle of journalistic excellence, it only caused minor discomfort to the people involved but never directly undermined the integrity of the paper. However, now even politicians are cashing in on the deteriorating conscience of the media. Paying money to media houses for favorable coverage allows the politicians to manipulate the media to their advantage thereby misleading the public, and has a grave impact on press freedom. As Sushma Swaraj, head of the opposition BJP party says “First the journalists asked for tea, then liquor, and now money.” This cash-transfer scheme of corruption is brazenly seen in India’s two largest states Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, and must be dealt with severely.

I believe that a system must be set up by the Election Commission by which campaign material can be put out on private print and electronic media with the state funding it. The views of every party and every candidate contesting in the elections should be heard and reflected in news.  Following the success of the RTI, heavy penalties must be imposed on political parties indulging in such practices. Only when such bold steps are taken and there is transparency in the political and corporate machinery, will the words “Let Truth Prevail” ring true.


(This is the somewhat final draft of a speech I have to deliver in my Effective Communication class tomorrow, for a life-changing 3 marks. In case you're wondering. :P)