Media should always keep in mind its responsibility towards the society

Mr Ramamohan Rao, the noted media professional and former official spokesperson for government of India, has said that the media should always keep in mind its responsibility towards the society. He emphasized on the need of applying some restrain in news coverage particularly when reporting conflicts and wars that threaten the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.


Mr Rao was delivering the annual lecture on the topic of “Reporting from Conflict Zones ”as part of the Public Service Broadcasting Celebrations held at the Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, Dwarka, New Delhi on Feb11,08.

In his One-hour long address, Mr Rao who was the spokesman for the army during the 1960s and 1970s gave detailed reference of the Indo-China war of 1962 and the wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971. “ We were ill-prepared for 1962 war and hence media coverage too suffered. However, by the time Kargil conflct took place, the electronic media covered it s if it was ‘live’, Mr. Rao added.

“The handling of the media during war like situations is very important as it sets the mood of the nation that has a direct bearing on the flow of the conflict,” he further remarked.

Mr Rao, who also worked as information adviser to the former Prime Minister, is currently the Chief Editorial Consultant, Asia News International, gave graphic account of the role played by the media during the insurgency in Assam and Punjab in mid 1980s..

He criticized the depiction of violence on television and sensationalism in reporting, which has become so rampant after the arrival of satellite and cable television. Referring to the coverage of insurgency in Kashmir and the recent spurt in the violence in the North East, Mr Rao emphasized on the need of ensuring a fine balance between what the facts are and the social responsibility of media.

In his welcome note, the director of the institute Prof. Ashok Ogra impressed on the students to pursue truth and be patient while digging out the true facts.

The session ended with a lively question and answer round.


Source: http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/education/200802117288.htm?aid=2325

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