Yellow
journalism is a type of journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news and
instead uses eye-catching headlines to sell more newspapers. When was the last
time you tuned into a piece of news and got something that made you feel a bit
more informed than your informal evening group discussions? Well, the answer
seems vague for most of the people… When on actual grounds this was asked to
people many interesting opinions wriggled out. One of them answered “Oh well I
heard something was going on between Saif and Bebo while he was out for his
shoot, he hid his phone right?” – That’s some really important crack sir; I
wonder how our nation will survive without such sensations! 98% of normal
population remembers Prince, the small boy who was struck underground and army
dug all their way down to save the kid… When there were bomb blasts in USA at
the same time news channels thought it was “better” to show the story of the
Prince, who lived!
The point is should we
give media the kind of freedom we have always been giving? Yellow
Journalism is “journalism that exploits, distorts, or exaggerates the news to
create sensations
and attract readers.” Yellow journalism ‘believes’ in a gross misreporting and under reporting of facts, in playing up news that is likely to create a frenzy,
stringing an emotional chord with the masses, feeding the appetite for
sensationalism, scandal mongering and exciting public opinion. Let me
illustrate with some of the headlines carried by newspapers about Chappell
fiasco: I wasn’t comfortable with Chappell: Sehwag (Press Trust of
India Players were scared during Chappell’s tenure: Bhajji (Zeecric Beaureau).The
headlines are so often relevant only to page 3, if even that. I mean, we all
want to know that Ranbir and Deepika broke up, but wouldn’t we be just as well
off not knowing about Saif’s tattoo or for that matter, why was Amitabh
Bachchan’s views of Slumdog Millionaire making the headlines? Granted that he
is the God of Indian cinema, but the man is entitled to express his opinion
without being flogged for it.
One of the ways to combat this issue, as many
suggest is, let us give its reigns in the hands of the states! Now oppositions
have examples of Vietnam, China and also Russia for that matter to put up a
stand against this solution. But the fact is India is not China! Media’s
freedom has made this whole yellow pool just a bit brighter, nothing else! Concentrating
on how our past has been its irrelevant to drag the hope while media stays
private. While many private officials deny this fact but it’s true that
government can help in whitewashing these yellow stains! There is a hot debate
and a cold war going on between major minds of India and we just hope they give
birth to a valid solution.
News was ought to be unbiased but on no
grounds is this happening in the present scenario…
Hi Tulika,
ReplyDeleteThis is a fine article but matter of fact is you have presented only one side of journalism. I'm not going now to criticize your thoughts. Whatever is here on the post is almost absolutely correct. But let me tell you, when the life above ground becomes too overbright with fancy lights, indulgence, sensations and propaganda and lies that moment the ones who are simpler beings, truth seekers and dark lovers , dig their way into earth and start populating the underground. With yellow journalism a parallel underground journalism also evolved which tried to convey the epiphany seekers, a more objective truth. A Truth which tried to reveal the falsities of mainstream. And people like you are part of that underground journalism. Underground journalism is more objective because its less influenced by the lifeline of mainstream journalism i:e money.
Its essence and medium is internet and a feeling of mutual benevolence towards humanity which is essentially free and natural.
My aim of writing all these words was to reflect an idea that not only journalism, but almost every field of social construct, be it music, science, politics, society, mass media, all have two antipodes satisfying contrasting objectives and motivations.
P.S. you write good.
That is so very thoughtful. I do agree this is one side of the coin and in fact even that one side if not complete, but the point being such topics are of much more importance and intensity to be in the scope of an article by an amateur. I am glad people are giving this a serious thought and that people who already have an understanding are responding. All you said is true, specially when you labelled it as a parallel underground journalism.
DeleteYour idea has been received with great respect and thought. Do keep reading and providing insights. Thanks a lot for appreciating.
PS: next time a name would suit better than an "Anonymous". Cheers!
The spectacle of my identity may blurry the "as it isness" of my words.I simply love your writes. Ideas are wonderful and flow is pristine . Keep up the noble work .Its absolutely commendable :)
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