Here in India, in our jargon its called 'cover journalism' - the type of journalism where you accept cash (or freebies) for stories. So, journalists could be slipped an envelope or 'cover' containing cash and he/she will take care of the rest. There are lots of journalists who are very accepting of this sort of thing.
The American military has institutionalised 'cover journalism' - especially in Iraq. Following is a very brief excert from a New York Times article.
The most critical portion of the report concerns the military's creation in 2004 of an entity called the Baghdad Press Club, in which Iraqi journalists were paid if they covered and produced stories about American reconstruction efforts, such as openings of schools and sewage plants.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
25 comments:
Sad. Sting operations on such journalists... is that in the offing?
set a thief to catch a thief VHS. SO why not?
I would be surprised if Uncle Sam had not used these tactics in the "Nam" also.
This practice not only means propaganda and untruth spread, it also means that the lives of journalists might be in danger, as if they weren't already.
Thankfully, we do have/had folks like Robert Fisk, Edward Said, John Pilger et all. Otherwise, the world will be one big Uncle Sam party
not really surprising in the least. just a thought : being a left or right aligned media source is just as bad I think, what the journos dont make in cash, they make up for in kind
PJL
Alaphia,
There's something called "cheque-book journalism" too, isn't there? I wonder if the two are the same or different. Will read the link sometime, as it is not opening right now.
This may be a silly question, but...how widespread is this in India?
Sad, really... the Fourth Estate is supposed to keep us abreast of what's happening in the world in an objective manner. What source or what information can we trust anymore? Seems like the real world becomes more like the movie "Conspiracy Theory" every day.
Or maybe I'm just paranoid.
Interesting blog you have here, by the way.
The Dragon
News channels in India are never objective. They are always biased towards one party or the other.Its the same case with Newspapers.
Its a sad truth that people believe what they see on TV or on paper. Nowadays especially on Electronic Media most news are manufactured.
Office of profit???
Well, I don't know about the cash factor but lunch invitations/free CDs, watches... for journos are certainly on the rise. It's as if the journo has to feel embarrassed enough to do the story.
Yeah, I really think Journalists are treated supremely well most times. As opposed to if, " yr workin in a Bank" for instance. I'd know, have first hand experience.
" Hello, I'm callin from xxxx Bank"
" click"
"Hello, Im callin from the TIMES"
" Yes, And what will you have to eat...Caviar........."
As long as the pamperer's dont have control over yr article, I really dont see why the journalists shouldn't induldge a wee bit...:-0
Good night and Good Luck..ha
sad.. like they say "who will guard the guards??"
Hi Sheks,
Pithy summation.
Dr. Arif,
Just wanted to say that its not as if everything you see on TV is coloured. Will look out for the book.
Hello Alaphia,
I am here after a long time.Well, it is a pity that even the journalists are up for sale.Or is it only to be expected in this great country of ours?Anyway,honest journalists are one of the things we need badly.It would indeed help if one were to expose atleast a tip of the dirty iceberg by means of, say, a sting operation.And your story from Auroville on pottery was good.Gave a lucid insight on alternative careers options.
bnap
So how many stories have u "covered" for NDTV? Now dont tell me Madrasis never did that. Coz we know Prannoy Roy is a nepotist and also his dirty dealings are well known. It is just bcoz of his clout with the present govt he has not yet been exposed.
Hello,
anonymous,It is not right to criticise an individual and/or class of people so harshly without any fundamentally strong evidence.
bnap
hey alaphia..you could look at posting more often here..i sense u like it, but then is it just time or the diktat from the top bosses not to blog...
on another note, do u guys follow the stuff on warfornews blog...u have a take on that ?
bnap,
U have to be in Delhi or Mumbai to know what really take place at NDTV. I know a lot as my brother used to work there and resigned later as he refused to fall in line. Roy is available for the right price for anyone. Truth is the last thing on his mind.
Hi BNAP,
You are kind ...thanks.
Anon - the word 'madrasi' is used by north indian yokels... Do i 'cover' stories? keep watching to find out.
Anon - I dont know what your brother knows....but i think its one of those things that people have come to love - a conspiracy theory behind everything.
"Madrasi" is a derogatory word just as "Bhaiyya". It is used by everyone and not just by 'yokels'.
I dont watch NDTV coz we hate it.
As for ur last sentence, I wont fall into the trap and dont think I will spill everything here. It wud suffice to say that NDTV is the most manipulative broadcaster in India.
Anon - whatever
Hi Dr. Arif,
Thank you and I will agree... very very long overdue. Im trying to work on something related. . that might take a little bit longer.
Alaphia,
we are having a bloggers meet on the 24th june at ascendas taramani at around 3 p.m. please join us if u are free...
Yes Yes. It is sad and completely unethical! In Australia, we call it "checkbook journalism" or "cash for comment" which someone has already pointed out! The most recent example of this in Australia was the Beaconsfield mine disaster, in which two miners who were stuck down a cave for 14 days were given 2 million dollars for an exclusive interview. I mean, what the? It's just amazing the lengths the mainstream media will go to to get a story! That's why i never want to be in television, it seems to be alot worse than other mediums...well that's my perception anyway! It's interesting to see that its happening all over teh world! I'm not surprised about the American military...sounds like something they're capable of!
Hi Mark,
I will try and make it. Never been to one.
Hi Amy,
Well atleast it was the interviewees getting the money (though that is only just a little less acceptable). Imagine journalists getting paid to do stories!
Post a Comment