New Delhi, March 16, (Scoop News)- Condemning both repeated vile sniping against select media channels and the equally venomous threats to select media by the AAP, the Ethics Council of the Delhi Union of Journalists(DUJ) is deeply concerned at the falling standards of objectivity in media coverage of the current elections by some TV channels interested in their agit-prop venomous eye for eye and tooth for tooth approach journalism, working on the assumption, that they are key players in deciding who will rule the country.
DUJ in a statement said that sensationalism and hype are these days evident in election reporting, particularly in coverage by television channels and other electronic media. Attempts to influence and manipulate the media through various means are also in evidence.
Statement said that as journalists cannot condone the AAP Party’s strong language against the media in various papers on March 15, 2014 but we also recognize that the media itself loses credibility if it carries paid news and biased views.
DUJ demanded an impartial inquiry by the Election Commission into the allegations made into the election coverage so far. The Press Council too must objectively examine the election coverage to detect any irregularities rather than just issue guidelines which these days are not followed.
The DUJ further demands that the Election Commission conduct an impartial inquiry into the ostensibly objective election polls being flashed by various media. The allegations of manipulation of poll results on behalf of various political parties need to be addressed.
The DUJ adds that the economic crisis has made the media, particularly the electronic media, vulnerable to influence from big advertisers. It is well known that the election propaganda budgets of the two main political parties are enormous and that much of this money is being fuelled into the media, whether in the form of advertising or otherwise. Some other parties also have substantial budgets for media campaigns. The spate of government advertising over the past months has been clearly aimed at influencing the voting patterns in favour of the ruling party. The increasing ownership of media by powerful corporate houses is also adversely influencing the media’s objectivity.
“We uphold the right of all journalists to report news and views freely and fearlessly. We call for greater vigilance within the media to ensure that the highest standards of professionalism prevail” DUJ said .
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