Indian media shirking its responsibility, says Seema Chishti

Hyderabad: “A free press is the backbone of democracy,” said journalist Seema Chishti on Sunday during the Hasan memorial lecture at Lamakaan. The lecture further highlighted how despite the importance of journalism, the media industry and subsequently Indian democracy find itself in doldrums.
The major focus of the lecture was on India’s ranking on the press freedom index. The journalist also stressed how the media is currently delivering what it wants the public to know, rather than focusing on the facts and reality.
India’s freedom of press continues to suffer “As per the latest rankings released by the press freedom index, India ranks 150 out of 180 countries,” Chishti remarked. She further said that a number of African countries including Burkina Faso are currently placed higher than India on the list.
The veteran journalist also shed light on the role of media in shaping the narrative regarding a particular incident as she highlighted the role of Radio Rwanda in the coverage of the genocide in 1994. It is to be noted that a number of journalists were jailed for bringing out facts during that time.
Shedding light on the current status of journalism in India Chishti remarked, “Journalists have freedom before writing, which is not guaranteed after the report is published. The Constitution of India does not guarantee freedom of the press, it is only viewed through freedom of speech under article 19 (1),” she added.
Also Read Freedom spirit soars high in Hyderabad She also emphasized the role of films and their portrayal of the media in India stating that movies such as Damini and Jaane bhi do Yaaro depicted media and journalists as evil. Chishti outlined the major responsibilities of the media including information, a forum for discussion, and accountability.