Potentials and failings of the Media
Your beloved ‘Vartha Bharati’ has completed 15 years of its journey today, and has entered the 16th year. On this joyous occasion,let us do some introspection on the media.
The end consumers of Media in any society are its people. But if these consumers set out to search for themselves in the media they use, they’d be rather disappointed because none of the Media platforms either recognise their existence or care about their interests or preferences. The policies of the Media houses, their priorities and their tone and tenor are all enigma to the common man. Many of them in course of time get used to this indifference of the Media or gradually learn to reset their own expectations. But the more sensitive among them keep wondering everyday as to why their media does not ever represent them.
The principal function of most of the Media houses today is to convert their consumers into the compulsive consumers of hundreds of other products in the market. Most of the consumers of the Media fail to notice for a long time that they are the direct targets and victims of this conspiracy of the Media.
The masses fail to comprehend how the media turns them addicts of goods and services that they can in fact comfortably live without. When they can afford to buy a bicycle, media lures them into buying a motorbike or a car on loan. By the time people realize what has gone wrong, they would have reached a point of no return. Most of the media do not stop here. They also keep people in dark ignorance about the issues that really matter to them. And all this is done so gently and with such precise planning that people would hardly realize something of this nature is even happening right under their nose.
India does not exist in Kolkata or Mumbai. The country breathes in its 7 lakh villages, according to Mahatma Gandhi. But if you look for those villages or people in the media, it’s hard to find. The number of our villages has come down to 6.5 lakhs. But yet, most of the 70% of our people live in villages. Majority of them seriously suffer from poverty and insecurity. However, the Consumers of most of our Mainstream Media are not likely to be aware of their plight. So is the story of our farmers, peasants and our working class.
On an average, about 45 farmers commit suicide every day in our country. Over 3 lakh peasants have resorted to suicide between 1995 and 2015, But the media has hardly mourned their death just because no one placed an ad of obituary on their behalf. Now there are about 50 crore labors in the Unorganised sector. There are lakhs of unemployed, homeless and destitutes, those suffering from malnutrition – unfortunately none of them are of any relevance to our media houses.
Saddest part is, the media not only refuses to acknowledge the presence of people of this categories, and their travails. Media often strives to focus people’s attention stays on irrelevant and idiotic statements made by politicians, or really frivolous issues such as cattle, cow, temple, mandir, private lives of cinema actors, luxury cars, expensive hotels so on and so forth.
As a result of this, people wouldn’t even notice serious matters that affect their lives such as the conspiracy of the ruling party or the dangerous schemes plans being hatched by capitalists close to power circles. No discussions or debates ever happen on the topics that matter to people that have been compromised. When paths to discussion are closed, solutions can never come by. And hence, the issues remain undercover much to the satisfaction of the perpetrators.
In reality, no problems are without solution. There are enough resources to help find solutions as well. But, we do have a problem with employing the resources, and prioritizing the task of finding solution. We may never be able to arrive at a point of resolution so long as the all-powerful people are reduced to mere puppets who are managed by mega industrialists. Media can change the way things work here by bridging the gap between what needs doing and the resources available, based on priority. With this, if media can help the debate remain alive to find better solutions, this would be the biggest help the most important pillar of democracy would be doing to the people of the country.
Today when Vartha Bharati enters its 16th year, we felt we must take stock of hits and misses of the media. Our Vartha Bharati was started amidst major financial challenges, but today has gathered a good number of readers across the spectrum. Even when value-based journalism is beginning to be a thing of past, Vartha Bharati has strived to stick to its ground and not fall into the trap of irresponsible value-less journalism. As a result of this, Vartha Bharathi has always believed in dissemination of truth or ‘truth everywhere’ as its motto. For the paper to remain an epitome of people’s aspirations, we need your whole hearted and proactive support.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
