Criticizing News Channels; Pls. Don’t…..

Criticizing News Channels; Pls. Don’t…..​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 14th Oct. 2017

There was flood of News Channels. They ruled the roost but refuse to acknowledge the same. The political agendas that led to policy making and which affected ‘all’ was almost the prerogative of the ‘dons’ within these channels may be with a few in the print media. So we had very limited debate around be it of widespread Degue/Chikangunia or poor state of government funded educational institutions or the poor ration/subsidy distribution. It was then that the ‘social media/alternate politics’ decided to criticize the new channels. Of course there was the brouhaha on the channels. However, now the stories seems to have a little more connect with the ordinary people although the commercial news media would fail to acknowledge credits where it’s due, for the same. It is still not gone to the level of the lack of potable water supply to say ‘even large villages’ even now, though. Also, the commercial news media quickly picks up bytes related to a demand for reduction in taxes or even an oblique campaign to end greater transparency, however it would have very few stories where people ‘pooled’ funds to create services, which should have been supplied by government, thus took to self-governance in at least some areas.

Of course the politics of news and views may not be coming to halt even with all the ‘independence of the editorial boards’. As responsible social media denizen, I (the author) need to play impartial. So it is still easy to hear opportunistic criticism of schemes which were basically a troubled joint venture between the government and the opposition, and without much scrutiny. Of course there are numerous occasions where Netas in the government also go out sermonizing again without scrutiny. The progress of a more transparent tax regime is criticized as an easy target since it blocks certain people to run as freely as earlier. And there seems to be a discreet but studied silence on what can be spoken on the progress of the bankruptcy proceedings in the commercial news media. Now together these may have brought some hesitation amongst large businesses to yearn for new projects. Where the impact is felt more significantly is lack of improvement in supply of bank credit for the Medium and small businesses so that they may pick some of the projects. And this does add some masala to the slowdown debate. Where the Netas in government, seem to be going wrong in there communication is failing to connect with those people who may have gotten or get Direct benefit transfers (which are hassle free compared to earlier) and a greater push for such schemes and thus the appeal may be failing a bit and hopefully this helps to equip them somewhat.

And now talking about the education that is becoming a bit more spoken about, while one can hear some demands like the same old infra woes of dilapidated buildings and shortage of staff, those that are there not turning up etc. or in other words ‘Business as Usual’ areas (& this may smack of politics). What has still not happened and doesn’t get highlighted in the commercial news media adequately, is if the Netas in government took stock of the situation or fate of their much touted slogans like Digital India, Cashless India or Swachh Bharat etc. when they visit any of the Institutions. This is because measures of governance or change is not about areas which have been left for business as usual but about areas which were identified for change and whether actual change has been accomplished or even sought to be accomplished; or is that only for slogan value. Also when a change is planned and executed then the students who are expected to take up job responsibilities would need requisite skills. This should also call for changes in curriculum at all levels and where the institutions are in position/empowered to make and execute changes that may be necessary and if not then when is that likely. Let’s see the ‘game’ evolve…

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

Criticizing News Channels: A Call for Constructive Engagement​

In an era where information is abundant and diverse, news channels play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and informing the masses. However, with the rise of social media and the democratization of information, the practice of criticizing news channels has become more prevalent than ever. While critical thinking and media literacy are essential skills, it's important to approach the critique of news channels with a balanced and constructive mindset. Here’s why we should think twice before engaging in baseless or overly harsh criticism of news outlets.

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News channels serve as the primary conduits for disseminating information about current events, global issues, and local happenings. They are the eyes and ears of the public, providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives. These channels often operate under significant pressure to deliver accurate, timely, and relevant news, which can be a challenging and complex task. By criticizing news channels constructively, we can help them improve and better serve the public, but baseless criticism can undermine their credibility and the trust that is crucial for their role.

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The media landscape is vast and varied, with numerous channels competing for viewership and influence. Each news channel has its own editorial stance, target audience, and financial constraints. These factors can influence the type of content they produce and the way they present it. Instead of dismissing a channel entirely, it’s more helpful to understand its context and the challenges it faces. Recognizing these factors can lead to more informed and nuanced critiques.

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Negative and baseless criticism can have several detrimental effects:

• Erosion of Trust: Constant criticism can erode the trust that viewers have in news channels, leading to skepticism and disengagement. This can ultimately harm the public’s ability to stay informed and make well-reasoned decisions.
• Polarization: Overly harsh criticism can polarize audiences, creating echo chambers where only one perspective is validated. This can lead to a divided society, where dialogue and understanding are replaced by confrontation and hostility.
• Self-Censorship: News channels may start to self-censor in response to harsh criticism, avoiding controversial topics or stories that might provoke backlash. This can lead to a narrowed field of reporting, where important issues are not covered.

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Constructive criticism, on the other hand, can be a powerful tool for improvement and accountability. Here’s how to approach it effectively:

• Be Specific and Factual: Instead of generalizing or making personal attacks, focus on specific instances where the news channel may have fallen short. Provide evidence and sources to support your critique.
• Offer Solutions: Criticism should not only point out problems but also suggest ways to improve. This can include offering alternative sources, suggesting better reporting practices, or highlighting areas where the channel could be more transparent.
• Engage with the Channel: Many news channels have feedback mechanisms or social media accounts where viewers can share their thoughts. Engaging directly can lead to more meaningful dialogue and potentially influence changes.

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Criticism of news channels should also be accompanied by efforts to promote media literacy. This includes:

• Teaching Critical Thinking: Encouraging viewers to critically evaluate the news they consume, considering multiple sources and perspectives.
• Supporting Independent Journalism: Independent journalists and smaller news outlets often provide a fresh and unbiased perspective. Supporting these sources can help balance the media landscape.
• Encouraging Diverse Viewpoints: Consuming news from a variety of sources can help viewers form a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.

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As consumers of news, we have a responsibility to engage with media in a thoughtful and responsible manner. This includes:

• Being Informed: Stay informed about the news channels you watch, their editorial standards, and their track record.
• Avoiding Bias: Recognize and try to overcome your own biases when consuming and criticizing news. Aim to evaluate information objectively.
• Promoting Positivity: Highlight the good work that news channels do, and encourage them to continue in areas where they excel.

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While it’s important to remain critical and vigilant in our consumption of news, baseless or overly harsh criticism can do more harm than good. By promoting constructive engagement, media literacy, and a balanced approach, we can help news channels improve and better serve the public. Let’s strive to be informed, thoughtful, and positive in our critiques, fostering a media environment that is both accountable and informative.

In a world where information plays a crucial role in shaping our lives, the responsible consumption and critique of news are essential. By working together, we can ensure that news channels remain a vital and trustworthy source of information for all.