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Drawn Closer In Separation - Mass And The Media Of the many things we've come to take for granted, newspapers come prominently in the list. They have become an integral part of our life that having them each morning on our breakfast tables has never been a miracle for one to ponder upon. We casually browse, we read intently - whichever to our convenience and But it is a totally different story when it comes to the media. If the papers fail to arrive at our doors at the usual time, if one switches on the TV and find all channels locked, the absence is felt instantly and they are missed though without much hue and cry. Like in the rest of the world, the popularity of the electronic media has not affected the status of the print media among its readers. The importance of our own local dailies need not be emphasized again. The facts are clearly before us - happenings here do not find adequate coverage in the national papers until and unless something like or close to June 18 events occur. But we know that we do not burn down the Assembly building everyday, though innocents get killed more frequently, and that is what shook those who need to be shaken. Details of this could be had only from our local papers. So, if one is concerned about what is happening here to us and with us, one has to fall back on the local papers. An added privilege is the introduction of cable news broadcast by both the major cable networks in the state. We also get to read in our own dailies about matters of consequences around the nation or the globe. To cut a long story short, our local dailies and channels serve our immediate purpose better than the national papers and channels. It is true that the value of a thing is realized better in its absence. The public did seem to feel it this time - what rough roads the media tread on just so that we stay connected with one another, with the rest of the world. Men and women with pamphlets were for once not a nuisance on the roads. A dharna on the roadside was not just another "one of those dharnas". Passers-by took notice, showed interest, and eager hands shot out from passing vehicles - some slowed down, some actually stopped to take a pamphlet. And many agreed that it is time such a reaction emanated strongly from the victimized. For it is common knowledge that the media have been victimized in many cases than not. One way or another they have always been caught in between two opposing sides that are inflexible in their respective stands. The latest of such situations that led to the closure of the press and the local cable networks in the state was just the ultimate. We are supposed to be staggering back to some kind of normal life after the months of turmoil. We are supposed to be united as Manipuris living and fighting for a cause. It cannot possibly be that every section has the same goal, but that each also fights with the other tooth and nail for its own self-interest. If such a situation prevails, then will there be any guarantee that victory of one will be considered victory for all and all rejoice? When will these battles among local enemies end? In the midst of this confusion it was indeed unfortunate that some organizations went overboard and lamented that the media by closing down was curtailing freedom of expression. What freedom of theirs the media could safeguard when its won share of freedom had been jeopardized was one thing they could have reflected on. Our plight is such that we have not much to expect from the near future than invest all our aspirations and dreams on the youths of today. It is also true that we have not left them with much beauty of life, not much space to spread their wings. Yet we know, and pray they understand, that we have no option but to stoop and begin building up whatever had been lost. The youth of Manipur need to be very politically intelligent, but they should not indulge in base politics. Every minute is ticking away widening the moral void in our society. It rests with us all to fill up this void. This is no mean enterprise and requires every section to perform its part well to the last act. The past few days when we starved for home news was a reminder to all that there's a limit to everything. It was an effective and laudable move by the media to stand thus in solidarity. They have been at the receiving end for long, a position they do not deserve and which they resent. How many have ventured so far as to know what it takes to bring out the papers each day, or what it means to plunge oneself in a crisis situation, mostly violent, with the self and just the camera to make footage for the viewers. One knows that daily means everyday and daily papers should reach us everyday.Period. It is immaterial to us what trouble the staffers go through while collecting the reports, selecting the day's stories, setting the pages et al. It has been rightly said by someone when emphasizing on the value of time that to know the importance of twenty-four hours the best person to ask is the editor of a daily paper. It is difficult terrain as it were, especially so for those in our state. So, the least we can do as ardent readers of the print or keen viewers of the electronic media would be to realize this and respond accordingly. The media is the voice of the people. Any pressure on it thus choking to our voices. It is hoped that nothing of this kind repeats itself again. If and when that happens it will be the right action for the mass to stand up for and beside the media. Meantime, all sections of the media are expected to exhibit their duties in a manner befitting their name. What one looks for is authentic and
responsible reporting by the media. Nobody is a fool here and one knows what games can be played with words. But, let us stop playing word games and start living real lives planting our feet on the really rough roads now with a belief
that this would ease the going along the way. Back to Top FrontPage Manipur Profiles Features Potpourri Opinions Editorials Books Photos Links Archives Contact Policy/Disclaimer |
