The News Shows
By: Amit Bhushan Date: 1st July 2018
The News media would only attempt to pursue the political party’s line rather than public line. And the ability of the emerging market news media to take a line contrary to media from the more developed counterparts is still highly suspect. Take the case of Pakistan where the Netas won’t mind boasting about relations with another neighbor from where large tickets loans seem to be a boost for the economy and infra projects. The Netas and media is unable to take a view that they are unable to find a profitable market for their Cotton garments for all the virtues in the relationship. The same is true about the media here which is unable to voice about the lack of computing/internet in vernacular languages and this being promoted despite of some superpower boast by Netas here. The media however won’t mind making noise about the shining weapons being added to armory and a boost for the respective military. This is even as finding a profitable market for the Cotton or developing technology in vernacular language and its acceptability might be a common need. (Read http://www.managementparadise.com/article/9863/the-global-open-trade-discussions-in-redux )
Even with political discussions heating up with Pakistan is elections mode and India also preparing for its ensuing elections, the commercial news media would continue to focus on the mundane. This is even with a realization amongst all Netas and Parties that what would cause a large swing is Economics rather than their respective pursuits. ‘Game’ has already demonstrated it here and almost all the entire emerging markets are impacted and seized with the idea. There has been a refusal of the media to voice people views and issues but would only voice political parties views and issues. The focus to voice the rhetoric is such they would forget what could be a more urgent situation with people as is clearly depicted by the lack of debates on farmer suicides. Clearly the Netas want to focus on ‘buying’ for the Nation from public money for the reason everyone understand better, but when it comes to ‘selling’ the wares and views of Nations people to other regions, the job is pathetic. This remains so irrespective of the claims of ‘global stature’ or ‘personal equation/chemistry’ between the Leaders of the various Nations/Regional grouping or bonding.
The situation remains so with Global Trade and macro-economic situation becoming fluid and a concern for even the stable Trading Nations. One can parse through the international news channels which are found overwhelmingly discussing economic and trade matters. This of course with news about terrorism and violence, disease outbreaks, personalities, sports etc. However, the media here would remain glued to political parties or establishment views, rather than say impact on Cotton and energy prices, if somewhat more accommodative global trade regime is brought in place via the more developed markets, and thus support for such a regime. Of course the Netas and Political parties would refrain from such views which puts them at risk for the proposals may not gain suitable reception in other countries. To make the situation more difficult, there are trade & transit barriers besides lack of suitable infrastructure to pursue trade within emerging markets. While the commercial news media has waned in influence is some sections seem to be coming around to pick up public views be that for higher education, jobs, issues with system etc. however it may still have a long way to go on economic issues as depicted clearly by silence on long standing NPAs of banks. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve….