Uncivil television

The adage goes: ‘When you raise your voice, you lose the argument.’ If we look at our television screens, we would see one too many an argumentative Indian lose his cool, some in a more unfortunate manner than others. Even as we have become somewhat immune seeing such programmes over the years, the recent attack on an Opposition leader crossed the line and has been rightly criticised. There is already an atmosphere of fear because of the pandemic that has enveloped the world. Now is the time to show civility in public discourse. This has been conspicuously missing.

The political class has developed a thin skin. Critical media reports are branded partisan, and their writers face harassment. An amazing level of efficiency is shown in serving notices and summons — even during a lockdown that prevents children from attending their parents’ last rites. A woman photographer is slapped with provisions of an anti-terror law. Reporters, editors, journalists of various hues face the blunt edge of the law enforcement agencies when their stories irk the authorities, whereas a section of the media perceived as pro-government does not.

It is necessary to realise that publishing or broadcasting something that differs from the preferred official narrative is by no means anti-national. The Press has a duty to point out what is wrong, even as it also chronicles what is right. Harassment of journalists adds yet another challenge to a medium that is already under siege, more so since the lockdown that has brought all economic activity and movement to a halt. During times of crisis, the government and the Press have to coexist with respect for dissent. Society finds itself in deep crisis, and it needs credible information and guidance to help find ways that may bring back normalcy. Politicians need to keep in mind the role of the media, and the media needs to be able to reflect a variety of opinions of political leaders, including the Opposition. Mutual respect is what is required. Lowering the level of discourse unleashes baser instincts that only serve to exacerbate societal fault lines further.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.