Hostile media

Television has become the most powerful medium in the last decade, due to its audio-visual effects. Its ability to reach the masses is enormous. International news channels, such as CNN, CNBC (ABN), BBC etc., have certainly contributed in creating awareness among the citizens of various countries about the current "affairs". However, it has been observed in the last few years that these channels have become highly commercialized. They tend to sensationalize the news for commercial gains.

On several occasions, the news is blown out of proportion. At times, isolated events are shown as major happenings, which create fear and confusion in the minds of the people across the globe. The same news items and pictures are shown repeatedly, without thought of their impact on the individuals.

I would like to mention the following examples to prove the point.

* In 1996, a few suspected cases of "plague" were registered in Surat, a town in India. The news was projected by the international news channels as if the entire nation were affected by the disease. The story and pictures were shown repeatedly, causing cancellation of flights and hotel bookings to all destinations in India.

* In 1997, news relating to the fire and haze in Indonesia, and its effect on neighboring countries, was shown by the international news channels repeatedly, creating an impression in the minds of the people that the entire country was engulfed in flames/smoke and that it was not safe to travel to any part of the country. Many businesspeople and tourists canceled their visit to the country, causing tremendous losses.

* During the current economic crisis, various scenes concerning social unrest, shortages of food and medicines etc., are repeatedly being shown as main news by the international news channels. It is disturbing to note that some pictures recorded in 1997 are still being shown.

News channels, reporters, correspondents, producers and editors should realize their role and social obligations and try to project the news in the right prospective.

R.K. CHOPRA

Jakarta