The Media Reportage and Incentive System

The Media Reportage and Incentive System​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 30th June2019

There is improvement amongst sections of the news media. Not that the ‘campaign news types’ are seen as surrendering any time soon, however there seems to some coverage for the routine public woes like falling water table in some cities resulting in lack of potable water be it municipality supplied or otherwise. That this is given place in coverage even as some sensitive news around death of children, and coverage of Neta’s foreign visit etc., is the improvement in coverage. Under normal circumstances it would have been only some sensational news’ or the ‘predictable stuff’ that would have gotten some coverage and the daily woes of ordinary people given complete miss in media. The readers of these articles should note that the reportage by those sections of news media susceptible to ‘campaign news’ and/or ‘celebration of Netas (usually in government)’ is being ignored here, while writing this piece. It should also be pointed out here is that there is still much scope for further improvement and only the relative (to past) improvement is be commended, that too in some sections rather than for overall news media.

There are no ‘takers’ for the news on crumbling ‘schooling (rather school buildings)’, sanitation, water-supply, health-care etc. which is routine problem. What would be reported is just the lack of financial resource allocation with complete miss to slippages in management delivery or leadership failure (which should have focused upon the same and tried to correct). And subsequently the caste politics related local situations or other sundries are mixed in the overall news cocktail. The idea was to convey some comfort basis caste equations being in balance (amongst Netas in government) with ‘dukhada’ of the leaders around lack of financial resources being conveyed on behalf of apologists for the government in power (within news media). It is important to note here that the ‘balance around caste’ was more visible towards some forthcoming elections, otherwise this was some Neta speak or some inter-party debates on some events. Even now some sections in news media want to follow the similar template where-in some sensational news would be covered but instead of ‘social balance’ around caste, they want to manufacture their own version of people’s demand for temple, sundries around Cow and similar stuff. The slogans around Make in India or Skill India etc. are meant to impress the international investors supposedly queuing up in large numbers with no growth in either the manufacturing jobs or in improvement in services public or private, of course. The miss on coverage of defaulters of public money is also to be noted although some Netas seem to be highlighting the runaway con-men, but with limited to no action being called upon for those within.

The improvement in news coverage is about ‘coverage of the routine woes’ of the masses or sections there-off sans any caste or religion qualifications. This helps (people) understand the management quality of the leadership and/or degree of responsiveness/effectiveness relative to ‘other Netas/parties who may be in power elsewhere’ (relative merit). This is even as such data becomes relatively unavailable under the present dispensation including slide in RTI related activities on which the political parties and Netas have maintained a studied silence. It should and must however be noted that such coverage is more tuned towards cities/metros rather than focus on the woes rural areas (except when there some eye-catchers like large number of children deaths). This is even when it is the rural areas which can potentially tilt the political equations as was witnessed in some of the recent state elections and is likely to be some guide for the polity coming. The issues of farmers, what’s happening for the farm input supplies, output marketing, rural savings and credit supply to rural areas is still not being studied/reported. Neither is much reporting being done on encroachment on public lands/water-bodies and its impact or break-out of diseases (except when there are deaths) or farming/post-harvest practices etc. Focus on rural caste related issues and its reportage still continues with impunity though, as if it still continues as political panacea.

Now what coverage may be further desired is ‘changes required in the incentive system’ that may help ameliorate the ‘situation’ or the challenges with the present system. Like what could be the incentive system for people to take up ground water recharging system in significantly more numbers possibly ameliorating water situations in city or to reduce pumping or other similar stuff. There is still little political discussions around possible systemic responses to ‘tough situations/solutions’ as this is seen as responsibility of the Netas in government and the challenger Netas can get away with non-sense. Hence elections remain more about failure of the Netas in government rather than a rise of new Netadom or better governance, new nexus of Neta-businesses-goondas amongst other things. The Netas in the opposition have really not bothered around possible policy responses and the same is not voiced even when the elections are nearing. This is even when questions around policy are now increasingly bearing ‘electoral fruits’ as caste/religion related arguments take back seat as has been demonstrated by raising Game/tough questions and crumbling of some of the Netas against these very questions. However sections in Netadom/Parties/Media would still want electoral debates around the frivolous rather than solutions/relative merit of Netas etc. This is done to preserve the privileges of Netahood and the current dispensation may be just a bit smarter than erstwhile dispensation which is currently weighed down by its own baggage. This explains why the new Netas may still be seen as lacking in terms of connect with masses even as tumult/churn amongst (old) Netas is on. The platonic thoughts about incentives for different sections even in face of collective failure but bolstering the standing of section Netas may be becoming increasingly ineffective with lacking in abilities to ‘face the Game’, may still not be getting understood. Let the ‘Game’ evolve…

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and influencing decision-making processes. As such, it is essential that the media reportage and incentive system is guided by principles of care, respect, and truth. By prioritizing these values, the media can ensure that its content is both useful and secure, avoiding harmful, unethical, prejudiced, or negative content.

At the heart of care, respect, and truth is the concept of fairness. The media has a responsibility to present information in a fair and balanced manner, giving equal weight to different perspectives and avoiding sensationalism or bias. This requires careful consideration of the sources used, the language employed, and the overall tone of the reportage.

One way to promote fairness in the media is to establish a strong incentive system that rewards accurate, unbiased reporting. This could include financial rewards for journalists who produce high-quality, well-researched content, as well as recognition and awards for those who consistently demonstrate a commitment to fairness and truth.

Another important factor to consider in the media reportage and incentive system is security. With the rise of digital media and the spread of misinformation, it is more important than ever to ensure that the information being presented is accurate, trustworthy, and secure. This means investing in robust cybersecurity measures to protect against hacking and other security threats, as well as implementing strict fact-checking protocols to verify the accuracy of all content before it is published.

In addition to care, respect, and truth, it is also important for the media to prioritize positivity in its reportage. While negative news stories are often seen as more newsworthy, it is essential that the media also highlight positive developments and success stories. By focusing on solutions rather than problems, the media can help to promote a more hopeful and optimistic outlook, which can have a powerful impact on public opinion and behavior.

Another way to promote positivity in the media is to encourage diversity in reporting. This means seeking out a wide range of voices and perspectives, including those that are often underrepresented in the media. By giving a platform to diverse voices, the media can help to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Of course, achieving these goals is not always easy. The media faces numerous challenges, including financial pressures, political interference, and the rapid pace of technological change. However, by prioritizing care, respect, truth, fairness, positivity, and diversity in its reportage and incentive system, the media can help to build a better, more informed, and more just society for all.

In conclusion, the media reportage and incentive system play a critical role in shaping public opinion and influencing decision-making processes. By prioritizing care, respect, truth, fairness, positivity, and diversity, the media can ensure that its content is both useful and secure, avoiding harmful, unethical, prejudiced, or negative content. Through a strong incentive system, robust cybersecurity measures, fact-checking protocols, and a commitment to diverse reporting, the media can help to build a better world for all.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

The Media Reportage and Incentive System​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 30th June2019

There is improvement amongst sections of the news media. Not that the ‘campaign news types’ are seen as surrendering any time soon, however there seems to some coverage for the routine public woes like falling water table in some cities resulting in lack of potable water be it municipality supplied or otherwise. That this is given place in coverage even as some sensitive news around death of children, and coverage of Neta’s foreign visit etc., is the improvement in coverage. Under normal circumstances it would have been only some sensational news’ or the ‘predictable stuff’ that would have gotten some coverage and the daily woes of ordinary people given complete miss in media. The readers of these articles should note that the reportage by those sections of news media susceptible to ‘campaign news’ and/or ‘celebration of Netas (usually in government)’ is being ignored here, while writing this piece. It should also be pointed out here is that there is still much scope for further improvement and only the relative (to past) improvement is be commended, that too in some sections rather than for overall news media.

There are no ‘takers’ for the news on crumbling ‘schooling (rather school buildings)’, sanitation, water-supply, health-care etc. which is routine problem. What would be reported is just the lack of financial resource allocation with complete miss to slippages in management delivery or leadership failure (which should have focused upon the same and tried to correct). And subsequently the caste politics related local situations or other sundries are mixed in the overall news cocktail. The idea was to convey some comfort basis caste equations being in balance (amongst Netas in government) with ‘dukhada’ of the leaders around lack of financial resources being conveyed on behalf of apologists for the government in power (within news media). It is important to note here that the ‘balance around caste’ was more visible towards some forthcoming elections, otherwise this was some Neta speak or some inter-party debates on some events. Even now some sections in news media want to follow the similar template where-in some sensational news would be covered but instead of ‘social balance’ around caste, they want to manufacture their own version of people’s demand for temple, sundries around Cow and similar stuff. The slogans around Make in India or Skill India etc. are meant to impress the international investors supposedly queuing up in large numbers with no growth in either the manufacturing jobs or in improvement in services public or private, of course. The miss on coverage of defaulters of public money is also to be noted although some Netas seem to be highlighting the runaway con-men, but with limited to no action being called upon for those within.

The improvement in news coverage is about ‘coverage of the routine woes’ of the masses or sections there-off sans any caste or religion qualifications. This helps (people) understand the management quality of the leadership and/or degree of responsiveness/effectiveness relative to ‘other Netas/parties who may be in power elsewhere’ (relative merit). This is even as such data becomes relatively unavailable under the present dispensation including slide in RTI related activities on which the political parties and Netas have maintained a studied silence. It should and must however be noted that such coverage is more tuned towards cities/metros rather than focus on the woes rural areas (except when there some eye-catchers like large number of children deaths). This is even when it is the rural areas which can potentially tilt the political equations as was witnessed in some of the recent state elections and is likely to be some guide for the polity coming. The issues of farmers, what’s happening for the farm input supplies, output marketing, rural savings and credit supply to rural areas is still not being studied/reported. Neither is much reporting being done on encroachment on public lands/water-bodies and its impact or break-out of diseases (except when there are deaths) or farming/post-harvest practices etc. Focus on rural caste related issues and its reportage still continues with impunity though, as if it still continues as political panacea.

Now what coverage may be further desired is ‘changes required in the incentive system’ that may help ameliorate the ‘situation’ or the challenges with the present system. Like what could be the incentive system for people to take up ground water recharging system in significantly more numbers possibly ameliorating water situations in city or to reduce pumping or other similar stuff. There is still little political discussions around possible systemic responses to ‘tough situations/solutions’ as this is seen as responsibility of the Netas in government and the challenger Netas can get away with non-sense. Hence elections remain more about failure of the Netas in government rather than a rise of new Netadom or better governance, new nexus of Neta-businesses-goondas amongst other things. The Netas in the opposition have really not bothered around possible policy responses and the same is not voiced even when the elections are nearing. This is even when questions around policy are now increasingly bearing ‘electoral fruits’ as caste/religion related arguments take back seat as has been demonstrated by raising Game/tough questions and crumbling of some of the Netas against these very questions. However sections in Netadom/Parties/Media would still want electoral debates around the frivolous rather than solutions/relative merit of Netas etc. This is done to preserve the privileges of Netahood and the current dispensation may be just a bit smarter than erstwhile dispensation which is currently weighed down by its own baggage. This explains why the new Netas may still be seen as lacking in terms of connect with masses even as tumult/churn amongst (old) Netas is on. The platonic thoughts about incentives for different sections even in face of collective failure but bolstering the standing of section Netas may be becoming increasingly ineffective with lacking in abilities to ‘face the Game’, may still not be getting understood. Let the ‘Game’ evolve…

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