Description
Shipra Publications Media And Ethics (PB) by S K Aggarwal
The Indian Press has played a creditable role in strengthening the unity and integrity of our country. In the 2009 general elections, the media to a great extent helped in the rejection of regional, caste and communal politics and in the elimination of criminals in politics. Remarkable role of the media can be cited to get justice for the aggrieved-Jessica Lal. Many successful sting operations have been carried out by the media-BMW.On the flip side, the media is working under the influence of the market forces in planting stories on the news pages. There is a new concept of advertorials which is unethical. News is being increasingly sensationalised for commercial gain. The reporters sometimes have to face criminal charges (Uma Khurana's case). The action of throwing a shoe at Home Minister Chidambaram by a journalist was not only unethical but illegal. Such incidents do tarnish the image of the media.The Editors Guild of India and the Press Council of India have raised questions on violation of journalistic ethics during the Gujarat riots and UP (Ram temple agitation) and on many other occasions. It is time for professional bodies of journalists to ponder over these issues and devise a code for restraint and regulation. A code from the government is unwelcome as it could stifle the media. The book deals with journalism ethics and may be found useful by the readers.