NDTV argues back: Dont shoot the messenger
Media and Conflict
Taken from www.ndtv.com
NDTV argues back: Dont shoot
the messenger
By Rajdeep Sardesai
In the aftermath of the failed Agra summit (or `inconclusive` as the prime
minister has chosen to describe it), the search for scapegoats has begun. And
for many, the fall-guy has been found: the media, or more specifically, 24 hour
news channels, are being held responsible for the failure of the summit. South
Block Mandarins are accusing us of conducting a `parallel diplomatic summit`
aimed at sabotaging the Indo-Pak dialogue, others accuse us of trivialising the
event and reducing it to a ball-by-ball cricket match. Worse still, there are
those who have chosen to see the news channels as `anti-national`.
Lets
first deal with the anti-national argument because it is the most pernicious,
and is an echo from the criticism of the media coverage of Kargil and Kandahar.
In this new India of hyper-nationalism, it appears that more and more people believe
that nationalism must be worn like a badge on the waistcoat. In the process, an
`us` versus `them` syndrome is being perpetuated. So, those who choose to
invite Pakistani analysts and journalists to their studio are seen to have
somehow betrayed the `national cause`. Its astonishing that we should see
ourselves as such a weak and insecure nation that hearing a Pakistani criticise
our Kashmir policy is immediately likened to anti-national forces at work.
The
fact is that in this rapidly globalising environment, media boundaries cannot
be defined by the geographical constraints of the nation-state alone. Indeed,
for much too long, neither Indians nor Pakistanis have had an opportunity to
hear the other side, or to engage in an open debate. In that sense, Agra
provided a unique platform for Indians and Pakistanis to reach out to each
other. Sure, some of the shrill voices from across the border may have angered
Indians, but is that reason enough for us not to hear those views? Indian
democracy is surely much too mature and resilient to worry about a Naseem Zehra
or an Asma Jehangir choosing to criticise New Delhi`s stand on Kashmir.
Lets
now come to the trivia argument. There`s little doubt that over the years the
media has been infiltrated by peripheral issues that seek to titillate more
than inform. This gradual `dumbing down` is a problem that is not confined to
the electronic media, but the print media as well. The growing importance of
colour supplements, the wide coverage given to the social circuit and fashion
extravaganzas are part of the problem. But while introspection is called for,
lets also stop being hypocrites. The fact is that for every person who is
obsessed with the `grave` issues of strategic importance, there are also those
who would like to know the menu at the Vajpayee-Musharraf lunch or just where
Begum Musharraf went shopping.
The trivialisation argument also need