- Packaged as ‘citizens’ journalism’
Dr Shahid Maood calls it ‘citizens’ journalism.’ Journalism, he says, has entered a higher stage where guidelines of a bygone era have become unnecessary encumbrances. One gets reports and stories through social media and e-mails which would become stale if not made public at the earliest. It is no more the function of a reporter or an anchorperson to seek their confirmation. It is for the agencies to do the job.
At a time when media in general and the more powerful electronic media in particular can make or mar the reputation of an institution, a political party or a public figure, there is a greater need on the part of reporters and anchorpersons to be extra careful. Journalists may have personal likes but they are supposed to be responsible and non-partisan when it comes to the dissemination of news. Notwithstanding the natural hunch for scoops, journalistic ethics and professionalism require that in no case there is compromise on facts. Any news, particularly the ones that can affect the reputation of an institution or individual, need to be carefully checked and crosschecked before being aired.
Isn’t this a violation of the concept of the freedom of expression? As in the case of other citizens, a journalist’s freedom ends where someone else’s nose begins. One cannot allow an anchorperson to accuse others of having committed heinous crimes unless he has evidence that can be proved in a court. Unless this is ensured nobody in society will be safe. The SC provided Shahid Masood enough time to present his case. Taking note of his reservations over the JIT appointed by Punjab government, the apex court formed a special JIT to probe the anchorperson’s claims. It is for him now to present proof regarding the suspected rapist’s 37 bank accounts and his being a member of a pornography gang which also allegedly includes a Punjab minister. As the court rightly put it if Shahid Masood proves the charges he would be hailed as a major investigative journalist but in case he doesn’t he is liable to be duly punished.