The current state of panel discussions on many Indian television channels is a disservice to journalism and democracy. Instead of enlightening citizens, these programs often spread chaos, misinformation, and division. Restoring their role as platforms for meaningful dialogue will require structural changes in how they are conducted, a renewed commitment to journalistic ethics, and an audience that values substance over spectacle.
A question arises as to whether viewers have become desensitised to this chaotic format, or are they complicit in demanding such sensationalism as entertainment.
How Journalism Falls Short of Its Normative Role? Overemphasis on Event-Driven Reporting
The 24-hour news cycle prioritises breaking news over in-depth analysis. The need to constantly churn out fresh content can lead to:
a.Superficial Coverage: Headlines and updates take precedence over nuanced context.
b. Sensationalism: Stories with shock value often overshadow more important, yet less “exciting,” issues like systemic inequality or climate change.
c. Digital Competition: The rise of online platforms and social media creates intense competition for clicks and views. This results in:
(i) Algorithmic Influence: News is tailored to what gets engagement rather than what educates or informs.
(ii) Echo Chambers: Personalised and repeated feeds limit exposure to diverse perspectives and crowd out other views and comments.
Decline in Investigative Journalism
Investigative reporting, which often embodies journalism’s normative role (e.g., exposing corruption, holding power accountable), has declined due to the cost involved in investigative stories require time and resources, which many media outlets cannot afford in the current commercialized model and also risk; investigative journalists face increasing threats, legal challenges, and censorship in both authoritarian and democratic nations.
Polarisation and Partisanship
Many news outlets have adopted overtly partisan stances, leading to:
- Agenda-Driven Reporting: Stories are framed to suit ideological narratives rather than presenting balanced, objective views.
- Public Distrust: Audiences lose faith in journalism when it appears biased, reducing its capacity to educate and guide citizens.
- Neglect of Public Interest: While journalism is expected to protect democracy by empowering citizens with knowledge, many critical issues are underreported:
- Global South Stories: Issues from less economically influential regions receive scant coverage.
- Slow-Burn Crises: Topics like poverty, healthcare inequities, and education reform struggle to compete with fast-paced, attention-grabbing news.