‘Developmental journalism key to meet Viksit Bharat objective’

Srinagar, Oct 5: In the digital age, where social media has arguably surpassed legacy media in terms of popularity, there is need for developmental journalism to overcome the commerialisation and corporatisation of mainstream media for helping India to achieve the “Viksit Bharat” objective by 2047, said Prof. Shahid Rasool,  Dean Acadmeic Affairs and Dean, School of Media Studies CUK, while delivering the 15th SP Sahni Memorial Lecture at the Amar Singh Club here on Sunday.

Late Sahni was a veteran journalist born in Kashmir, who worked in different reputed media outlets and is known for his great body of work. The event was organised by the Indian Institute of Public Administration ( J&K Regional Branch) in collaboration with the Amar Singh Club.

Addressing the gathering, Prof Rasool, while highlighting the emergence of digital media, invoked former President late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s strong assertion on enhancing media technology. He said despite the deep mobile and internet penetration in the country, there still existed a digital divide between the urban and rural masses which needs to be overcome.

“It is important for achieving Viksit Bharat to ensure people are empowered. I would suggest the way the government offers other subsidies, let the cellphones and internet connectivity be subsidised for the deserving segment as well,” said Prof. Rasool.

The speaker said that while the mainstream media in the country has played an important role in the justice delivery system, such as in the Nirbhaya rape and murder case in New Delhi, but in the same breath, Prof Rasool did not hesitate in pointing out that the media stood responsible for trivilisation of important issues such as farmer suicides in states such as Maharashtra.

“It was recently pointed out that over 500 journalists covered a fashion show that showcased models wearing cotton outfits, but ironically, only two journalists covered suicides of cotton-growing farmers,” said Prof. Rasool.

He said the state of media was such that “televisions in most of the households that used to draw the attention of all family members are now lying switched off.” “Here is an opportunity for the media to convey India’s growth story domestically and globally. India enjoys the benefit of the demographic dividend, and it is the youngsters which media needs to cater for, not just to disseminate information but to make them more aware about the country's legacy,” he said.

Prof Rasool said there are broader areas where the media has a responsibility to promote developmental and inclusive journalism. “There is a need for media to strengthen democracy, promote scientific temperament, and highlight positive news. In simpler terms, the constraints of TRPs and financial considerations for media houses have put developmental journalism on the back burner,” he said. He said there was also a need to highlight popular flagship schemes of the government among the stakeholders.

Delivering the chief guest address at the event, Khurshid Ganai, former Advisor to the Governor, said although India had recently surpassed Japan to become the fourth largest economy, there was still a lot to be achieved. Ganai said the difference between more developed countries and a developing nation such as India, was that in the US and Europe,e there is more regulation and quality control of goods and services.

He said that with a population of 600 million in the middle class bracket, India is confronted not just with the challenge of poverty alleviation but also with strengthening public institutions and, more importantly, boosting urban development. “We have to sort out the issue of solid waste management. Look at how a serene place such as Kashmir is fast turning into a concrete jungle. There is also a need to promote renewable energy,” said Ganai.

Delivering the presidential address, BR Sharma, Chairman IIPA JK Regional Branch and former CS J&K, paid tributes to late Sahni, saying he was more than a journalist and often worked as a bridge between societies. “He took the task of projecting J&K to the world while working as a communicator and a media person. He remained firm even in tough times,” said BR Sharma.