Amateur's encounter with the media upclose

Have been observing media with a very keen interest for over a decade, though began 

actively voicing my concerns and writing critical articles post 26th November 2008, 

which I would consider as the personal inflection point.

Since then have also been very active on Twitter with over 1,25,000tweets to my credit, primarily focused on Media, News and the Political events on a daily basis. 

Have met many interesting people, have networked with some very well informed and 

articulate individuals, unfortunately interaction with Media celebrities has been rather 

limited and forgettable barring a few exceptions.

Thanks to Mr. A.S. Raghunath who arranged for me to be part of an event on media on 

the 4th and 5th of Oct 2012 called TV.NXT 2012 organized by afaqs. Must confess it has helped me understand the industry some what better and the challenges that it faces in near, medium and long term.

Some of the segments of this event have been etched in my memory which would be 

hard to erase, the well informed and well moderated debates/discussion unlike our daily fare on Television. As a consumer of media we are not privy to much of the information, 

trials and tribulation the industry faces as a whole and across specific segments.

Let me now indulge in placing in a chronological order the highlight which have left an 

indelible mark with me personally.

"darr ke aage jeet hai" tag line is for a soft drink. 

True claimant for this is Mr. Subhash Chandra the man who took the initial risk 

and has survived to tell his story 2decades down the line. His humility is evident 

and clarity of thought is remarkable. His keynote address will easily rate as one of the 

finest that I have ever heard. TV.NXT 2012: A few profitable media companies do not reflect the health of the entire industry:

The next most riveting session was with Mr. Anurag Kashyap, not because he is a 

celebrity or from the film land. The clarity of thought and the creativity that seems to be 

straining to explode, really wish this man gets the space to produce what he wants, 

sans restrictions. Would be treat for all to experience what he can churn out.

After this there was a session of discussion hosted by Ms.Vinita Kohli Khandekar Shabir Momin, of ZengaTV ,Hiren Gada of Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd. and Sandeep Dahiya of Viacom 18. This opened a new horizon for me as a consumer, the possibilities that 

exist and can be exploited.

As we approached the end of the event, there were two items of maximum interest to 

me as a consumer both related to News.

Mr. Shekhar Gupta of Indian Express to speak on "An editor's view of news on television"

In the course of the talk that Mr. Gupta as the senior most editor delivered, he was 

critical of the Electronic media and all the existing channels with the sole exception of 

one. This he reiterated not once but twice. He also referred to the word "Conscience" 

twice. He alluded to "Paid News" in electronic and print, surfeit of scams in the TV news,need for editors in control of the content on TV channels, lamented the fact that the 

current trend of editors in all channel were star anchors of those. He spoke on cash for 

vote and was pleasantly surprised that he believed wrong people had been arrested as 

the channel had exposed their source. Now that is news for me, have not read any 

article or editorial to this effect from Mr. Shekhar Gupta

  

Mr. Gupta also touched briefly upon the story that he did on Troop Movement and how it had spooked the government. Could not pose question to him on this since there was 

no time slot kept. How a Journalist had tweeted adversely about the story, without 

checking on the facts with Mr. Shekhar Gupta himself. 

He also alluded to the fact how politicians were getting into the business of media and 

the recent sale of one News channels. Here again why cast aspersion on the politician 

alone, he must have had some expert guidance from one of the media insiders and the close relationships that are being maintained by media personnel.

Lastly he touched upon the recent Hon Supreme Court observations/ judgment and wasvisibly unhappy about the possibility of curbs being imposed or an external regulator 

being appointed. Here I wish to ask the gentleman why was he and his publication silent when the government of India without verifying and providing evidence blocked accounts on Twitter, where was his zeal for Freedom of speech and Expression? Why is it what he demands for himself and Media, does not wish the ordinary citizen of India to enjoy?

Finally we reached the last item of the event this was a discussion session moderated 

by Mr. Paritosh Joshi and the participants were Sam Balsara, Madison World, Avinash 

Kaul, Times Television Network, Preet Dhupar, BBC, Vikramaditya Chandra, 

NDTV Group G Krishnan TV Today Network,  Arun Poddar  Media Network & Distribution (INDIA) Limited.

Post the opening remarks Mr. Vikramaditya Chandra was the first participant to speak he was most definitely agitated that his channel was not getting the kind of advrt revenue 

that in his opinion should be theirs by right, TRPs was flawed parameter to follow, he 

claimed his channel had registered 2billion minutes on the internet. 

The CEO is welcome to monetize it on the platform which was generating that quantum of traffic, extrapolation on to the other platform would not be possible. Mr CEO will also have to understand that the entire industry is being judged by the same agency 

and this grouse does not wash.

Without going into what other panel member said during the course of the discussion I 

shall not mention here but get straight to the point. I then posed a question to Mr.

Vikramaditya Chandra post Nira Radiia Tapes ethics of the organization had also come 

into play. Instantly a defensive posture was obtained. Response "the person concerned was not present to defend and also this was not the forum for this question." 

However the identical twin in the form of Mr. Shekhar Gupta said he would like to 

address the issue and answer the question. My point was simple if ethics of content and business practice come into play viewership would suffer.

This is the precise reaction that makes most of us wonder if News media is a Mafia in 

operation, where Omerta is the unwritten operative code. Things can only change the day "Crows start to feast on crow meat until then it's all in a Hamam. "

Mr. Gupta on his part tried to explain there was no ethical impropriety committed by the 

staffer of that channel. However in my opinion the question remains as per me the 

impropriety was committed and not been dealt with in an appropriate manner.

Inconclusion, this indeed was an experience to cherish, and also must compliment the 

organizers for a job well done, complete professional conduct barely a glitch to cause 

any embarrassment. Though would wish to see consumers of the media also being 

invited to participate in this event in future could add value, after all the target of all the 

participants is that passive consumer, would it not make it more meaningful if his views were also incorporated. Do not know if this would be considered for future events by the organizers.

Examples of the Tweets about NDTV and it's staffer.

 

 

 

 

 

 Credit: Photo sourced from Afaqs article.

Updated on 13th Oct 2012

As a journalist you train yourself to treat both accolades and abuse with the same level of levity; you tell yourself over and over again to not take yourself seriously and you even learn, eventually, to laugh at yourself. You understand that being in the public gaze inevitably comes with being viewed through a coloured prism — whether rose-tinted or jaundiced. And you develop the ability to lightly shrug off the distortions of a persona foisted on you by others. 

Updated on 10th Oct 2012

This tweet is an befitting response to Mr. Shekhar Gupta who claims journalists speak to many people. 

There was nothing inappropriate about the conversation between Nira Radia & B.Dutt of NDTV. 

'Internet Hindus' Culprits or Victims???

India:- Meet the 'Internet Hindus' : Rightwing tweeple and bloggers looking to rule social media.

It is a real achievement to get a fairly apolitical neo-Platonist who cares more about the Roman Empire than any present political entity to be annoyed about the spate of articles about “internet Hindus,” “trolls,” and the “Right wing.” But first, it was that Raman piece about NaMo and his trolls, and then a piece in the Hindustan Times, and now Global Post’s latest article, “Meet the Internet Hindus.” To be fair, this third piece is describing the phenomenon, and is far more objective than most twitter comments or the other two articles. In any case, let me make a few points clear to you moderns:  “Just for the Record”  Has more than fittingly dealt with this article by Mr. Jason Overdorf.

My take on this article is lacking on three counts 1.) Research 2.) Victims presented are the actual culprits  3.) Evidence presented has been ignored. 

Media in India is largely left leaning and has arrogated to itself many labels and rights including that of outrage. Moment we peel off one label we encounter another, its like the onion as you peel a skin the next one is there to contend with, only difference it’s not the viewer who has tears in his eyes, it’s the media which is whining while it wipes it’s tears. 

Deficiency of research is a major shortcoming in this article, not just this but maybe he is also unaware Indian media may probably be the only one in the world, which is in a state of conflict with its consumers. Ironic as it may seems it’s a hard fact. Print and Electronic media published comments convenient to them, edited some and totally ignored those which were critical as per the narrow definition of the media houses. This has been happening for over 10years. Blogs and Twitter have provided that section of the society a platform to air their views whose voice had been effectively throttled by the media houses.

Natural corollary is breaking down of the established secure order so enjoyed by all the media and its population. Blog and Twitter have exposed them to a counter narrative which has totally benumbed them all and hence the victim hood is the favored route.

Three individuals that Mr. Overdorf presents as victims are in fact the culprits. Sagarika Ghose, Barkha Dutt and Namita Bhandare are the ultimate ASS no don’t get your heckles up, all it means is “Attention Seeking Syndrome.”  

Lets deal with each of the victims so presented by the author.

Sagarika Ghose who proudly claims to have coined this term Internet Hindu is a typical case of a juvenile mind housed in an adult. How many of us have either experienced this or seen it happen, younger sibling who provokes the elder sibling get a whack in return and goes weeping to momma complaining about the elder sibling. The screen shots will prove that beyond doubt she provokes to attract attention.  These 10 screenshots were available to the author did he confront this so called victim. Why was the Tweet about Lord Ram a Divine Encroacher deleted by her. Lacks of conviction, courage or plain simple mischief making.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If she coins a name its but natural a counter will be there to it and she is the Media Jehadi, who lacks patience and ability to engage in a debate. Twisting Tweets and using fake interviews of Sri Sri Ravi Shanker are some other feathers in her cap. On the basis of this evidence doubt it if she can stake a claim to being a victim, on the contrary she is the Culprit who should have been removed from the organization for her unacceptable conduct. The issue is not just of this individual, but also the channel. She would have been sacked for her indiscretions which are a plenty in any other organization. Here she is protected due to her marital ties. 

 

Barkha Dutta has a serious problem of credibility ever since her role has been exposed by Radia Tapes. Her belief that public memory is short is just not holding true. Longer she stay higher is the degree of disgust with her. These screen shots will more than establish that she indulges in use of unacceptable language and if she get paid in full measure in return how can she claim to be victim. Inciting others who support her to indulge in abuse is also her way of life on Twitter. Calling those tweeters as guttersnipe who do not agree with her is definitely civil by her standards. Here again the issue is not just individual but the channel also.

 

 

    

 

Namita Bhandare is some one who had followed me on Twitter sometime last month, at the very outset I had informed her about my disposition towards the so called Journalists and forwarded to her the link to an article which was a rejoinder to her post in Hindustan Time, response was prompt unfollowing by her, not that it made any difference to me. The screen shots are self explanatory need one say who is abusive and who is the victim.

Here again the issue is that the publication and it’s personnel are biased and anti majority.

 

 

 

I have been on Twitter for over two and half years with over 104000 Tweet not one has been abusive or has been deleted because it was unacceptable. I am yet to encounter abusive Tweeters, do not contest the claims that there are abusive tweeters also, one has to deliberately invite them and this is what your so called victims have been indulging in.

Did these individuals present any evidence or their word was enough to classify them as victims. Did they describe what in their scheme of things was Liberalism? How they had the right to be called Liberal? While the only thing liberal about them that comes through is abusive and provocative language and actions.

Mr. Jason Overdorf cannot deny that @Sureshnakhua during the course of the interview with author did provide the evidence collated in the article  “Twitter a case of Fatal attraction or twitter a case of a sting in the tale (not tail)?"  Why it was overlooked is best explained by the man himself?

In conclusion wish a more thorough research had been done before writing the article. Finally as a tweeter 

@barbarindian has aptly stated “Media is a crime scene always take a screen shot.” 



Latest update on 17th Aug 2013
What particularly disturbs me is the way in which sections of the mainstream media and others in positions of power use the worst of what happens online to condemn all that happens online. One manifestation of this is the way in which the word “troll” has been appropriated by sections of the mainstream and redefined.  

Those in MSM who think all abusers n dissenters r "trolls" should read this.

Latest update on 27th Nov 2012

Latest update on 11th Nov 2012

 Latest update on 01st July 2012

 

I welcome a debate and discussion on this…As always, please keep your tone civil, your language polite…no sweeping generalisations please and no personal abuse.  Thank you.

Ouch that hurt! NDTV.

                         You are Blocked!          

 

Blocked by NDTV, now this is a unique situation, one can understand a person being blocked by another for being abusive or argumentative. Wonder since when organization have developed sensitivities and how I managed to hurt their finer feeling through my tweets? The other important aspect is that charges are being paid to cable operator for receiving NDTV signals.

What makes NDTV so insecure? Why this paranoia being displayed by NDTV? Has the credibility deficit been transferred from staffer to organization? What will this achieve? Is the channel now caught in a downward spiral? Mistakes inadvertent or deliberate are on the rise, have been duly noted and recorded. The issue will remain and will have to be confronted by the channel, blocking solves nothing.

Last Saturday I was motoring along blissfully on twitter the day had been one of leisurely pace Presidential polls was the all consuming topic, then in the evening there was a this tweet from NDTV. 

 

 Found this again to be a result of real poor editorial responsibility. Decided to log on to NDTV on twitter and see if more such tweets could be located and to my surprise what do I encounter. Yes what you just read above.

 

Let’s focus on and place NDTV under the scanner, see what we discover during this process. One of the oldest in the trade is NDTV which has been on the scene for over two decade in the current avatar and before that as Starnews. Most of the senior editors in Electronic media are a product of this channel. However we seem to gravitate towards a select few and have reposed our undying faith in them for honest and unbiased reportage.

 

Such a surfeit of channel automatically means intense competition for viewership, and a need to carve a niche for them selves to ensure not just retaining the existing viewer, constant accrual in numbers to stay on top of the leader board.

Let’s start by examining what issues NDTV raises regularly? What they mean and how they enhance the viewership for NDTV? Instead of writing about those issues let me post videos on those subjects.

 

“The Swiss vote in favour of banning the construction of minarets has shocked many in Europe. The Muslim community in France, the biggest in Europe, says it's a humiliation for Muslims living in the continent.”

 

 “The recent proposal in France to ban wearing burqa has once again raised a continuing question about what freedom exactly means.”

Should we not feel proud of the fact that NDTV is not just raising issue, is actually debating them? Countries involved in both events are located in Europe separated from us by minimum 6000Kms. Both are older democracies than India and if one was to be reminded, its France which gave us these three terms, Equality, Fraternity and Liberty. Ironic that we should even be attempting to preach or pass a judgment on the actions of two sovereign nations. So what that NDTV for us.

 

 Left Right & Centre: As the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 approaches, we debate: From Opposition to a mosque near Ground Zero, to Quran burning day - is Islamophobia on the rise?

Here is another example of our most seasoned channel bringing to us and telling us how America is behaving and being intolerant. A country, where democracy was being practiced even before, we had attained our Independence. Our brand of secularism should be exported to all these countries.

 

Amid the unending violence in Kashmir and the BJP's opposition to autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, NDTV debates Omar Abdullah's tenure as chief minister and the Central Government's approach to the vexed problem. 

 Kashmir has been on the edge over the past two months. Over 60 civilians, mostly youngsters, have been killed and hundreds injured in incidents of incessant stone pelting and police firing. Youngsters of all hues from Kashmir join the debate on NDTV on the way to find peace in the Valley.

Yes this is an important and an emotive issue which has been hanging fire for over six decades and needs to be settled expeditiously. NDTV does bring to us important domestic issue. The big Pakistan debate on the Mumbai attacks.

 

 Those who wish to see the other 4 parts of the videos may click the link provided.

The Big Pak Debate (NDTV) 2 of 5 

The Big Pak Debate (NDTV) 3 of 5

The Big Pak Debate (NDTV) 4 of 5 

The Big Pak Debate (NDTV) 5 of 5

 

Here again the expertise and the concern for good neighbourly relationship and also focus on India’s foreign relations is comprehensively being dealt with. This is the advantage of more than two decades of experience that NDTV has.  

Post expose of Radia Tapes this is what transpired on Air in NDTV Studio.

Those who wish to see the other 3 parts of the videos may click the link provided.

Barkha Dutt's Defence 2/4 

Barkha Dutt's Defence 3/4

Barkha Dutt's Defence 4/4

"Barkha Dutt tries to defend herself. While I don't feel that the real questions were answered satisfactorily, it was a Bold but useless effort by Barkha Dutt. Main problem for her is that she can't change her pro congress & anti BJP image. That's the main cause people fail to believe her. NDTV is exposed." These are words of the person who uploaded the videos on youtube.

We have to admire this channel for being upfront and unsparing to its own staff and ruthlessly exposing her to a select panel of journalists. The only discordant note that is struck is no alleged accused has ever been permitted to chose the forum, conduct his/her own trial be the judge and pronounce the judgment as well. Guess surprises never cease and there is always a first time for all things in life.

Ever since this incident, NDTV’s relationship with its viewers has not been the same. The basis of this relationship like all others is Trust, takes years to build seconds to destruct. This is not all Barkha Dutt has also faced protests at India Gate in New Delhi when she attempted to host some kind of a show. Public anger has not subsided towards her rather it has also enveloped the channel. 

 Barkha - Now You Must Resign: The Buck Stops Here. 

 

NDTV Barkha Dutt was holding a debate on the news channel. The issue was corruption where she was asking eminent persons if they would resign in face of allegations of corruption against them. Watch the video where in the 40th minute Swami Agnivesh asks her what would be her position on the issue. Barkha has been accused of political leanings in the multi-crore 2G scam.

This is one question which still bothers most of us, why has the person in question continued to be in service of this channel?  When other named in the same Radia tapes were dealt with differently than her. Credibility of the news channel is a very important factor once that is damaged there is very little that remains. The person and the channel may exist, what good is that existence when everyone looks at you with suspicion?

Freedom of Speech: How far can we go?

The Big Fight: India is a democratic country and we do have a right to freedom of speech. But what are its restrictions. We debate.

This is what any self respecting channel should always be striving for that is protecting and propagating our Freedom of Speech and Expression. Are we not really blessed that we have NDTV to do this for us? It’s been the vanguard for protecting our fundamental rights as bestowed by the Constitution of India.

The only problem in this simple equation is what NDTV preaches so vociferously, demands with utmost vehemence, does not afford to others the same freedom of speech and expression. 

 

I have lodged an official complaint with the channel and have also sent an e-mail to Dr. Prannoy Roy seeking his intervention to inform me the reasons/justification for this illegal censorship and denial of my fundamental rights. 

From: anil kohli To: Prannoy Roy Sent: Monday, 18 June 2012 10:01 PM Subject: Re : Your channel's @ndtv blocked me on twitter.

Dear Dr. Prannoy.Roy,

I hope all is well at your end.

Have been following you for a very very long time and have always admired the work done by you and your team starting from The world This Week programme to the current avatar NDTV.

You have always stayed steadfast in your support for Free Speech and Expression. It's indeed commendable, when most others would have ejected the staffer for alleged unethical professional conduct, you afforded an opportunity to your staffer to present the other side of the story, before a select panel of journalists. That of course is another matter the defendant was also the presiding officer and verdict pronounced by self was "Error of Judgment".

The important point is that you supported the right to Free speech & expression as bestowed on all Indians by the Constitution of India. Then why is the same right not been extended to me? Why has your channel NDTV blocked me on Twitter? After all I do pay the cable operator charges for receiving NDTV. Official complaint filed via feedback to NDTV.

Does this act  not tantamount to unauthorized censorship?

I am sure you would support me, when I wish to express my opinion on any matter or news that your channel broadcasts, NDTV's presence on Twitter is to get feedback from viewers to enhance the quality of your product.

No I am not in any way asking you to intervene and have this undone, believe me there is nothing missing in my existence with the current situation vis a vis NDTV. 

The only purpose is to apprise you of what is happening and the intolerance being practiced by some one in your esteemed channel. Wish you could revert with reasons/ justifications for this unacceptable act. Maybe I am being too optimistic in expecting a response from you, any way I still remain hopeful that you will respond.

This e-mail will also be posted on my blog so that millions of others who feel strongly about freedom of speech and expression can read about this and record their view. The same views will continue to be forwarded to you without any editing. Sincerely Anil Kohli P.S. Screen shots attached

It is incomprehensible a channel with over 20years of existence lack the courage to face truth, instead resorts to indiscriminate censorship by blocking those who express honest views and expose their mistakes.

Let me conclude this article with firm commitment to all those who do record their views on this article the same will be forwarded without editing to Dr. Prannoy Roy of NDTV. So that he may continue to strive and protect our right to free speech and expression    

Latest update as on 20thJuly 2012

NDTV exhibiting pathological hatred towards Mr. Narendra Modi and Gujarat for no apparent reason. Twisting news to create an impression that a planned travel to Japan is a result of violence at Suzuki plant in Haryana. This is not just unacceptable it is disgraceful.

   
Latest update on 23rd Sept 2012
 Info provided by @barbarindian  Check out NDTV secular filter:
http://bit.ly/Pcv7BQ  TOI: http://bit.ly/RQv3XP  Hindu: http://bit.ly/UGAPji

 Coimbatore: A young man murdered his girlfriend by setting her on fire in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu after her parents refused to give their consent for the duo's marriage. NDTV

 

 COIMBATORE: A 21-year-old youth, jilted by love, killed himself on Saturday evening after stabbing his classmate to death and burning her body using kerosene. The victim's 48-year-old mother, Latha Menon, is now battling for life at a private hospital after sustaining more than nine stab injuries when she tried to protect her daughter. The incident occurred at Thoppil Nagar, a residential area in Vadavally on the Coimbatore-Maruthamalai Road. TOI

 

A 21-year-old management student of a city college murdered his classmate, stabbed her mother and immolated himself at her residence at Thoppil Nagar in Vadavalli on Saturday evening. Hindu:

Latest update on 26th Sept 2012

Latest update on 11th Dec 2012

NEW Delhi

ALMOST any night of the week, Barkha Dutt can be found under the harsh glare of television lights, asking tough questions and demanding frank answers. But last Tuesday Ms. Dutt, the most famous face of India’s explosively growing 24-hour cable news business, found herself the subject of the kind of grilling she normally metes out.

Before a jury of four of her peers, she parried questions and struggled to control her anger. It was, perhaps, the toughest interview of her career. Caught on tape talking to a corporate lobbyist, she stood accused of cozying up to the powerful people she should have been covering and agreeing to pass messages to the governing Congress Party.