PRE - ELECTION PREDICTIONS AND POST ELECTION EXIT POLES
1. We have been witness to the recently concluded elections which hold the world records of sorts; be it number of voters,amount spent by candidates and their respective parties , duration of elections and last but not the least the role of electronic media during pre & post elections phases .
2. Some basic issues which merit attention, are:-
(a) Is media supposed to be neutral and free to bring an issue to public domain ? If yes, what are those issues ?
(b) Who is controlling and auditing the contents being covered by media ?
(c) Is media accountable and questionable to some one or it is it's the master of own kingdom with limitless self vested powers?
(d) Media expects transparency from Government and Political rulers ; is it applicable to media too ?
(e) Is media not being given such tools which are capable of applying "Blackmailing" kind of an attitude ?
(f) Why media is not covered under RTI ?
(g) Is media a "Journalism" or " Big Business/Corporate House "?
(h) What are the rules and regulations applicable,if any, to media which a common man is expected to know ?
(i) Is media a public resource like any other national property or it is fully private with "Veto Powers" over the Government ?
(j) Is media permitted to air private views of individuals to influence people's minds ?
(k) Is there any " code of conduct " applicable to media ?
(l) Can media be kept under suspension for its wrong doing like any other criminal who is kept behind the bars till finalization of case?
3. May I request the experts in this field to educate readers who are not fully unaware of some basic media related issues. It is better to fight against any corruption once you have the statutory and other facts right and well supported. This makes the fight more convincing and conclusive.
4. Issues mentioned above pertain to " Electronic Media" and not the " Print Media".
best wishes ,
Brig Pradeep Yadu more