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Irresponsible Role of Media in Rakhi Swant- Mika Episode
Bahrain, June 18, 2006
Dr. Prem Joshi
For the last two weeks, I have been taking stock of Rakhi Sawant
and Mika Chumma-Chummi episode and was intrigued to see how Indian
electronic media and print media have been presenting it in an irresponsible
and sensational manner without realizing and understanding the impact
and implications on the society and new generation. It is pity and
shame to observe that by overcasting and focusing on such trivial
artists who seem to have no ethical standing, the electronic media
has been giving them such undesirable attention. For example, this
week Zeenews bombarded with photos of persons with doubtful characters
Rakhi Sawant -Mika. Since there is strong competition among these
TV news channels, Starnews also focused and showed the same scenes
several times. It invited in its news program one journalist and
one media publicity expert to draw inferences that this episode
was very well pre-planned in order to gain cheap publicity stunt
by these artists. Then the experts were quizzed, to what extent
Rakhi and Mika will gain from this publicity stunt?
It looks to us that these news channels have left only two news
items in their kit in order to woo viewers i.e. Bollywood scandals
and Dawood Ibrahim and Abu Salim stories which they have telecasted
thousands times. There is strong public perception that newschannels
and print media have been playing substantial role in showing socially
undesirable elements as national. HEROES". The disgraceful
episode of Rakhi-Mika is similar to what used to happen in Mumbai
ladies dance bars.
Raising questions:
1. Who is this Rakhi Sawant? Is she a role model for Indian
youth or a role model for journalists and reporters who feel proud
to flash such news again and again about her.
Stars and artists have to meet several people in their profession
like in any other profession. They attend parties also. But, I am
asking what is this Page 3 party culture? Why she attends such parties
when she knows that these are fraught to high risk? Being a lady
she has certain boundaries too. From her talks and presentations,
it clearly appears to us that she has no good educational background.
By moving hips and body indecently, do they become great artists?
2. Who is this Mika or Sika or Tika? Is he a role model
for Indian youth? His brother was also accused in so many scandals.
If they are good artists, they should behave decently in public
places. Their way of talking and actions in public places remind
us the rustic humor of 18th century.
3. These episodes also remind us of the changing face of
Indian society and the rapid deterioration in our society's traditional
and ethical values. However, in this decline, electronic media also
plays a key role. Many times, they forget that by showing such programs
with big bang and funfare, what consequences and impact will it
create on our children and youth who are already 'DISHAHIN' (lacking
proper direction). Let me remind them :
"In India, media is a very powerful medium, especially the
Satellite Television Channels. It is one of the most important factors
that play a significant role in shaping public opinions, beliefs
and disseminating correct information and knowledge with a huge
responsibility on its shoulders. It has far reaching affects on
societies, businesses, and governments."
4. Today, the electronic media attracts the best talent
of the country. When talented people work in this industry, the
society expects from them to act in more accountable manner and
provide it those news stories which will increase their knowledge,
sources of information and inculcate a feeling of responsibility
towards the society. The low quality news stories such as about
Rakhi Sawant and Mika may misguide them leading to increase in crime
rates in the society. However, these electronic media are very much
concerned about raising their TPR.
5. Many programs produced by these electronic media are
also of high quality. Why can't they maintain all the time that
standard?
6. These newschannels should understand that it is the common
people, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, technical professionals who
make up this nation and will take it forward to the 21st century
and not by the people of doubtful characters.
EMAIL: prem@acadjoshi.com
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