Media Sensationalism of the 26/11 Attacks: Is it justified?

Mumbai, 26/11/08: People screamed… petrified and distraught, looking for near and dear ones. Some were trapped while some were held as hostages. The raging fire at the Taj Hotel only added to the misery. Hundreds were killed and many more injured.

Reading reports about the terrorist attacks in Mumbai sent shivers down my spine. Seeing the news on television made me realize the agony. But there was a different side to this story unfolding on television. News reports continually focused on each and every move of the terrorist attacks at Taj and all the other areas of Mumbai. People remained glued to their television sets as the dreadful drama unfolded on television. While brave officers lost their lives, television journalists held microphones before distraught people to know their reactions. Every minute, channels gave ‘live coverage’ about Mumbai’s 26/11 terror attacks. As ‘Breaking News’ flashed across all the television channels, one wondered if it was ‘yet another scoop’! Brave journalists rushed with their cameramen to capture live footage of terrorism in Mumbai. But then, this brings one question to my mind… can we really call this a brave attempt?

One could get a clear picture that the Indian security services were trying their best to manage the crowds and figure out ways to get into the Taj. But the throngs of news reporters and cameras were something the security services did not ask for. On one hand, brave soldiers and people from the police force had to tackle important issues of terrorism and assist in the rescue operations. On the other hand, they had to tactfully handle the flashbulbs and microphones. Is the media justified in causing stress to the police force and security services and adding to the chaos of the situation? What if a journalist was hurt in a situation like this? Who is to blame? Is this media sensationalism at its best… or should I say, at its worst?

The events were unfolded in detail not only on television but also on many websites. Reports reveal that the Indian Government even had to request the citizens of Mumbai in particular, to avoid giving such live coverage. Questions have been raised about the amount of information to be revealed on television. This is simply because, such channels are accessible to all, including the people who have planned this ghastly terror attack.

Media can be a powerful tool to help people in a time like this. Media plays an important role when it comes to asking for help for the needy, flashing news about the status of the rescued people and such issues that can help improve the situation or help people in need. However, giving a minute-by-minute coverage about important activities by the security services is surely not a wise move and can never be justified.

Whilst the people of India are still reeling under the aftereffects of the terror attack, the whole situation seems to have given inspiration to filmmakers in India! Indian filmmaker, Ram Gopal Verma has raised quite a few eyebrows with his visit to the site with the then Head of State of Maharastra, Vilasrao Deshmukh. Is this yet another way of thinking and planning about possible hit flicks in sensitive and tragic times like these? Well, the reactions from Bollywood stars have revealed how strongly they condemn his visit. Perhaps Ram Gopal Verma should understand the gravity of the situation and be sensitive towards the people of Mumbai!

Indian musician, Vishal Dadlani (of the music duo Vishal-Shekhar fame) has clearly voiced his opinion about media sensationalism of the terror attacks in Mumbai. He has filed a petition hoping for a change in the way news is handled by media personnel. This petition is available online and talks about the irresponsible ways of the media. He seeks intervention in the live coverage broadcasted by the media and regulation of the news reports to avoid any form of misrepresentation of news or exposure of confidential information.

How far should the media go in divulging important information on the television? Who will regulate or set a code of conduct to be followed? Questions like these remain unanswered and we can only hope that every person acts responsibly and shows a sensitive approach towards such issues. If only every journalist doesn’t aspire to be a Barkha Dutt of Indian television and ask impractical questions to distraught people. It’s time we turn the spotlight on the journalists and news reporters and ask, ‘What about ethical journalism?’ Is anyone listening?