Is the Media a saviour or destroyer?

Editorial, Mountain Valley Kashmir, 29 March 2024 : The emergence of print media recognised as representative of public interests, their aspirations and voice in forceful objective and unbiased way remained as it was thought to be for several decades. It became a weapon in the hands of voiceless, oppressed and those exploited by affluent or one can say oppressors. It played its role in various freedom struggles including the freedom struggle of India. 

It helped in making many political, social and cultural revolutions a reality. The print media assumed so much power, respect, and say that not only individuals and societies but powerful countries honoured its advice and constructive roles. 

However it was thought that with the advent of electronic media, the print will get a boost and both will play a more vital role and will bring a new political, educational, cultural and scientific revolution for the welfare of the humanity. And it became a reality till the time there was a mushroom growth of electronic means in shape of thousands of channels and these channels were either setup by corporate houses or funded by them and politicians. This made them buffoons and morons of corporate and political bosses and their interests. 

Corporate interest made them money minting machines and political support turned them as slaves for political misadventure, regional bias, religious fanaticism and communal hatred of certain elements who are thriving on fanaticism and racist ideologies. This trend was witnessed throughout the world and this lead several conflicts, wars and internal violent uprisings. 

Thousands of people lost their lives and lakhs had to abandon their homes for safety and became migrants to spend a miserable life. Thousands of destitute, orphans and hapless women are asking only one question and that is why did media play such a heinous role. Media itself is not responsible for all this but it played its role to ignite confusions and chaos and provoked and promoted certain ideologies which are responsible for all this hell .

Media is a vital tool and it has not only been a villain but has played historical role in education information, cultural upliftment and scientific progress of the world .We cannot ignore its noblest services to the society but as and when money and politics started dominating media, it became a lethal weapon against humanity which needs to be reversed at any cost.