The Press as a social instrument at times resorts to priority reporting thanks to its association with private and business interests. Some people believe that this is unavoidable because the Press is owned and operated mostly by private parties.

• How far is this view agreeable to you?

Biased reporting is as old as the Press itself because all press organizations are byproducts of business interests. This tendency, in my view, is unavoidable to a great extent. However, as a social instrument, the Press is expected to be balanced.

As a matter of fact, all media are byproducts of advertising. This has been so for ages, and all Press organisations, in one way or the other, have to stand by their patrons and clients. This clientele may range from small national enterprises to multinational corporate business empires. The amount of money these organizations allocate as media budget for promoting their products and services is the life blood of the Press in general.

For example, Reliance as a communication giant is a favourite of all press organizations. Obviously, these Press groups will curry great favours with Reliance wherever there is a controversy involving Reliance. Such priority reporting can be seen with regard to smaller business partners as well.

Though all is said of the Press’ obligation to its patrons, there remains a fact that the Press as such is promoted by people too. It is the public who read or watch or listen to the media. This, in turn, leads to marked penetration by way of sales and response. Naturally, the Press has to satisfy the interests of the public as well. So, when it comes to great human interests, the Press is obliged to forgo its private business interests.

Concluding it, I find it right to add that the Press does not have any independent existence; rather it does have to engage in priority reporting. But, it is a wiser idea to maintain a balanced rapport with its private and social or public interests.

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