Inclusive or ex-clusive?

The Fair Practice Society (FPS) is a lesser known media monitoring outfit that operates out of a well-appointed vessel sailing in international waters off the coast of Mumbai. Its objective: keep an eye on the Indian media with the focus on ethics and plagiarism. While in the past it did blow the whistle and a few horns and trumpets on suspect reports, no one cared to listen. Perhaps, being out at sea, and that too in international waters, made the authorities on the shore and the guilty ignore allegations since these were being made from beyond Indian jurisdiction.

But this week the feedback that Times Now and The Times of India had laid claims to a story curiously similar to an earlier NDTV expose on BJP President Nitin Gadkari’s Purti Power and Sugar Limited drew the attention of FPS and a surprise response. Of course, the media watch agency to its credit, was quick to put together a team on the mainland to conduct an enquiry which concluded that all leads, including TV footage, proved the contours as well as the details of the two stories were the same.

For a change, the press release based on the enquiry was taken note of. In fact, someone who claimed to be acting on “behalf of the larger Indian media” wished to meet FPS representatives and put things in perspective. The portly gentleman arrived at the appointed hour by speedboat and was welcomed on board. “Call me Burpy Goldy,” he said effusively and made himself as comfortable as possible on a deck chair. What struck everyone immediately was that the visitor, with his gold rings, gold necklace, gold earrings, gold watch, flashy clothes, and long tresses bore a strong resemblance to music director Bappi Lahiri.

“Everyone mistakes me for Bappida,” he said almost as if reading their minds,” but my agenda is far removed from music, although you can’t keep me away for long from Bollywood and its fantastic songs.  In fact, to tell you the truth, when it comes to inspired adaptations, our films show us the way.”

“I hope you have come to discuss plagiarism in journalism,” pointed out a younger and rather impatient member of the media watchdog. “Sir, please don’t say plagiarism--it has such an unpleasant and ominous ring to it. Let us describe what you are referring to as inspired stories. Remember, many of the great Bollywood hits of yesteryears were inspired by western pop hits of that time. Today’s songs owe a lot to singers such as Enrique Iglesias and Eagle Eye Cherry. The themes of our films come from various sources--all inspired. So why not let the same Bollywood spirit bloom in the media?”

No one found this line of reasoning either logical or worthy of any consideration. Moreover, Goldy was told that no one was interested in discussing the film industry’s strange ways. So, he changed tack and said that great minds can unwittingly think alike. “You know,” Goldy said lighting a cigarette even as a sea breeze set in, “there is no stopping one of our music directors from thinking the same melody as Mozart. He may not have even heard the master but may compose a tune that sounds similar. Now, several others may have noticed similarities between the news reports referred to by FPS much before it did. But wouldn’t it be unfair to conclude that the organization plagiarized their thoughts? Also a Delhi- based channel may play up a report that was carried a fortnight ago in a Telugu channel simply because no one watches regional channels in Dilli.”

The discussion meandered along the same path for far too long. And when the man speaking on behalf of the media said that a reporter must see his story being used by others with pride just as a parent sees his child’s success, the frustrated FPS team decided there was no point in wasting its time. But Goldy had two aces up his sleeve. “You seem to be in a tearing hurry to dismiss me. But, I have some very important suggestions to make which could possibly lead to a permanent solution.”

With that Goldy paused as if he was not sure of what to say--like an actor waiting for the prompter. Finally, he looked at the sky and that seemed to provide him the cue.  “If everyone in the media was okay with it,” he said, “inspired stories could go with the tag “inclusive” which would suggest that the story included all others who contributed to its creation, including the person who broke the story, and others who did follow-ups.”

But that was found to be unacceptable since it was too vague and would not convey the sense that it was supposed to. “The reader will be left confused,” someone pointed out. So Goldy played his second card. “How about an ex-clusive? You know, like ex-judge, ex-president, ex-cricketer…Ex-clusive would suggest that this is a story that has already been done but will still have some zing for the paper or TV channel that is lifting it. You see, people who know will understand the “ex” bit, others won’t and will think it’s an exclusive. The hyphen, I tell you does some remarkable things.” Goldy paused again for effect. He looked around and flashed a smile displaying his golden teeth in all their glory.

Team FPS excused itself and went into a huddle in the lower deck. It emerged after an hour and found Goldy seated at the same spot where they had left him whistling film tunes. He was told that his “Ex-clusive” suggestion was unheard of, but it was for the members of the fourth estate to decide. “Why don’t you write to media houses to arrive at a consensus,” he was told. “As for the FPS, we believe that no tag or spin can legitimize a lift.”

With that Goldy took his leave. As he got into his speedboat he had this parting shot: “I was only trying to help. I am just a music director inspired by Bappida. When some friends from the media sought my help I thought I must oblige. But I must admit meeting you guys has been an “up-lifting” experience. In fact, I am inspired to start an offshore media monitoring service--as the old Bollywood saying goes, sometimes photo-copies turn out to be better than the originals…”