Corruption in Media - Inputs on Root Causes
Once we know the root causes, we will have a separate discussion on solutions. The objective here is to present a comprehensive whitepaper to Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and CVC so actions can be taken to reduce Corruption in Media industry.
Corruption in Media Industry - Key Issues
1. Most PR companies give gifts to most journos or pay them for the coverage of their clients
2. Media takes stands with political parties as they want to benefit from the same
3. News channels are paid not to cover and report certain items
4. Journalists blackmail businesses/individuals and demand money on the pretext of publishing negative news about them
5. Some news channel bosses accept Land, Flat, Approvals in exchange of news stories (published or blocked) etc.
6. Some news channels play the role of political party agents to bombard viewers with stories designed to help the party
7. Many media personalities lobby for politicians and businessmen
8. Some times media houses collude to keep the Government in check
9. Most time good social initiatives do not get coverage from media as they are busy covering paid news
10. In many regional news papers, by paying one can get any page/any column desired for article/news. more