Many media organizations find it right to give extra attention to stories which do not have much to offer for the public but for the parties involved in the story.

Some people say media cannot do without it, whereas there are others who feel that this is against media ethics.

How do you look at these two views and put in what you feel of it?

Today, there is unprecedented media growth leading to tough competition among them. Naturally, they embark on many shortcuts to augment their market share. Hyping stories of vested interests is one such ploy. This is rather inevitable today, but it is unethical.

The primary thing is that, today, all media houses are owned by media barons whose ultimate aim is profit. This eye for returns puts them in pressures to find out ways to satisfy the interests of their stakeholder, patrons and partisan interests. This ever-mounting pressure forces media houses to succumb to monitory gains, political pressures and organizational lobbying.

For example, during elections and at times of political scandals and upheavals, media are used for influencing public according to the whims and fancies of vested interests. This may look like a media responsibility, but it is against the canons of media ethics. An unbiased media can do without it, though.

When it comes to how it becomes unethical, it is right to note that media organizations are the watchdogs of democracy. So they should not be carried away by any kind of pressures or lobbying. This may be from any quarters like individuals, organizations, communities and even governments. Democratic governments should not encourage it, and real democracies cannot afford it either. It is against the very will of the demos, people.

In short, looking at both the sides, what I feel is that, as this practice is as old as media itself, there is no U turn from it. Obviously, people have to bear the brunt. However, it would be better for media not to resort to extremes; rather they need to satisfy the interests of all by being ethical, too.

Ajaypeesdoc
275 words