SHADAB PEERZADA
With the current situation in Journalism and its unprofessional character due to social media journalists, we will look deeper into profession that was once considered most reputed one. Journalism has long been regarded as the fourth estate of democracy, a fundamental pillar of accountability, truth, and justice. In its early days, journalism was seen as an essential public service, committed to informing citizens, holding power to account, and contributing to a well-functioning democracy. However, over time, journalism’s role and reputation have been transformed due to its increasing commercialization and corporate ownership. In its earliest forms, journalism was a profession driven by the pursuit of truth and public service. The mission of early newspapers and journalists was to provide accurate information, expose corruption, and amplify the voices of the marginalized.
Journalism in Kashmir during the 1990s and 2020s presents a stark contrast, reflecting the region’s shifting political and security dynamics. In the 1990s, amid the height of the insurgency against Indian rule, journalism in Kashmir was fraught with danger and censorship. Local journalists operated under severe constraints, facing threats from both militants and security forces. Reporting was highly sensitive, with limited freedom of expression, and many journalists were subjected to harassment, intimidation, and violence. Despite these risks, some courageous reporters continued to document the conflict and its humanitarian toll. By the 2020s, journalism in Kashmir saw the rise of a new wave of social media journalists, bringing both opportunities and challenges. This “mushrooming” of social media journalists provided real-time updates and alternative narratives that mainstream media often missed or chose not to cover. However, this rise also brought challenges. The lack of formal training, verification processes, and adherence to journalistic ethics among many social media reporters led to the spread of misinformation and sensationalism. Additionally, these digital journalists, though offering a fresh perspective, were often more vulnerable to state surveillance, arrests, and cyber harassment. While social media democratized the flow of information, it also blurred the lines between credible journalism and unchecked citizen reporting, complicating the already delicate media landscape in Kashmir.
The Corporate Shift: Journalism Becomes Big Business
The reputation of journalism began to change as the media industry underwent consolidation and corporate ownership became more prevalent. Beginning in the second half of the 20th century, media organizations started to transition from being primarily civic institutions to becoming profit-driven enterprises. This shift had profound effects on the values, priorities, and practices of journalism. Several factors contributed to this transformation. First, technological advancements, including television and later the internet, revolutionized how news was delivered and consumed. The rise of television news in the mid-20th century increased competition among news outlets, pushing them to capture more viewers. Sensationalism, entertainment, and personality-driven news began to overshadow hard news and in-depth investigative reporting, leading to a decline in quality. Second, the consolidation of media companies into large conglomerates further eroded journalism’s independence. As corporate interests increasingly dominated the media landscape, the priorities of journalism shifted away from the public good and toward maximizing profits. By the 1980s and 1990s, major corporations like Time Warner, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, and Viacom had acquired many of the country’s most influential newspapers, television networks, and radio stations. These companies were not driven by journalistic integrity but by profit margins, shareholder value, and advertising revenue.
One of the most profound impacts of corporate ownership was the increasing reliance on advertising revenue. As newspapers and television stations became dependent on advertisers, editorial decisions began to be influenced by the need to appeal to advertisers, often at the expense of journalistic integrity. Stories that were critical of major corporations or controversial topics that might alienate advertisers were often sidelined. This led to what critics call “soft journalism,” where news coverage was often light, non-controversial, and driven more by entertainment than by information. The transformation of journalism into a profit-driven enterprise had several consequences for the quality and credibility of the profession. These include the rise of sensationalism, the erosion of investigative reporting, and the blurring of lines between news and entertainment.
Sensationalism and “Infotainment”:
One of the most visible consequences of corporate journalism has been the rise of sensationalism and the blending of news and entertainment, often referred to as “infotainment.” In an effort to attract more viewers and readers, news outlets began to prioritize stories that were dramatic, emotional, or scandalous over those that were fact-based and informative. Crime, celebrity gossip, and political scandal became staples of news programming, pushing serious reporting to the margins. Sensationalism was not limited to tabloid-style publications but spread to mainstream media outlets as well. For instance, television networks like CNN and Fox News increasingly adopted sensationalist tactics to keep viewers engaged for longer periods. Stories were often framed in ways that exaggerated their importance, and debates were turned into shouting matches to increase drama. This shift eroded the public’s trust in the media as a reliable source of information.
Erosion of Investigative Reporting:
Another significant impact of corporate journalism has been the decline in investigative reporting. Investigative journalism is resource-intensive, requiring significant time, money, and expertise to produce in-depth reports. However, as media companies became more focused on profits, they increasingly cut back on investigative reporting, which was seen as too costly and time-consuming compared to the quick returns of lighter, faster, and more entertaining news. Major newspapers and television networks, once known for their investigative prowess, reduced their investigative teams or disbanded them altogether. This has had serious implications for the ability of journalism to serve as a check on power. Without investigative journalism, many important stories about corruption, abuses of power, and social injustices go unreported, leaving the public in the dark.
Blurring of News and Opinion:
Another outcome of corporate ownership has been the blurring of lines between news and opinion. In the rush to attract audiences, many news outlets began to prioritize commentary and opinion over straightforward news reporting. This shift has been particularly evident in television news, where pundits, commentators, and opinionated anchors often dominate the airwaves. This blending of news and opinion has contributed to the polarization of the media landscape. Audiences now often gravitate toward news outlets that reflect their own political views, reinforcing echo chambers and increasing societal divisions.
The reputation of journalism has undoubtedly suffered as it has become increasingly intertwined with the corporate world. Once seen as a noble profession dedicated to truth and public service, journalism today is often viewed with skepticism and distrust. The shift toward corporate ownership has led to sensationalism, a decline in investigative reporting, and the blurring of lines between news and entertainment. As a result, the media’s role as a watchdog of democracy has been severely undermined. However, despite these challenges, there are still journalists and news organizations that strive to uphold the principles of integrity, independence, and accountability. The rise of independent media outlets, nonprofit journalism organizations, and citizen journalism offers some hope that the noble tradition of journalism can be preserved in the face of corporate pressures. Digital platforms and social media have further complicated the landscape, offering new opportunities for independent reporting but also contributing to the rise of disinformation and online harassment. For journalism to regain its reputation and fulfill its democratic function, there must be a renewed commitment to the values of truth, objectivity, and public service. Media organizations must recognize that their role is not merely to generate profits, but to serve as a vital institution in a democratic society.
Shadab Peerzada is a Politician, Technologist and Writer, can be reached at shadabpeerzada@yahoo.com
