The Funeral of Journalism

Is there a possibility of a resurrection?

As I flipped through the pages of an English daily this morning, a sense of disappointment washed over me. Where were the good stories? Everything seemed like paid articles, lacking the spark and life that once defined captivating journalism. I couldn't help but wonder, do the writers themselves feel proud of their byline for such lackluster and lifeless pieces?

I got my laptop out and started outlining this article.

Once revered as the gatekeepers of truth and the champions of democracy, newspapers now stand on the brink of extinction. The slow death of newspapers has become an emblematic tragedy of modern journalism, a demise that deserves a poignant funeral to mourn not just the loss of an industry, but the erosion of the very essence of journalism itself.

As a former dreamer of running for office or becoming an international correspondent, the current state of journalism leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. The flame of passion that once burned bright in my heart has dimmed, witnessing the gradual decline of an industry that was once the epitome of courage and resilience. My heart aches for the investigative spirit that has been buried beneath the suffocating weight of complacency, rendering newspapers obsolete in an age where citizen journalism and social media have filled the void left by their fading integrity.

One of the most distressing aspects of modern journalism is the shift from being vigilant watchdogs to becoming mere mouthpieces for those in power. Personal experiences reveal that newspapers have fallen into the trap of lazily relying on press releases, failing to delve deeper into stories and verify the information they present. In fact, I can never seem to get anything in the media without a press note or press release. The relentless pursuit of truth seems to have lost its place amidst the race for quick headlines and deadlines. I miss the controversies and catchy headlines.

In this captivating juxtaposition, much like the fading allure of new Bollywood films and the struggle to recall the names of contemporary actors or lyrics of new songs, today's journalism landscape also faces a similar challenge. While the nostalgia of past bold and famous Indian journalists lingers, the new age seems devoid of prominent names that resonate with the masses. It raises an intriguing parallel to Bollywood, where the iconic stars of the past continue to enchant, while the present seems to lack such magnetic figures. Just as audiences now seek good stories on OTT platforms, people increasingly rely on citizen journalism, turning away from traditional newspapers that have lost their shine and become repetitive in their content. The call for a revival of the spirit of bold reporting echoes strongly, urging the media to rediscover the essence that once made journalists indispensable companions in the quest for truth.

From personal experiences and interactions with reporters, it becomes painfully evident that the once revered journalists have become beholden to the convenience of press releases. In the harrowing context of animal cruelty cases, for instance, one would naturally expect journalists to rise as fearless seekers of truth, unyielding in their pursuit of justice. However, a disheartening reality unfolds when examining the conduct of many newspapers, particularly in India. Instead of being tenacious investigators, they have transformed into mere reporters, accepting the official narrative without question, perpetuating a culture of complacency, and allowing a shroud of impunity to cloak the guilty while innocent victims suffer in silence.

The troubling trend of blindly accepting information from police officers and politicians at face value has become all too common. When confronted with animal cruelty cases, the journalists' response is alarming - they merely regurgitate the shallow statements provided by investigating officers (IOs), without demanding any accountability or digging deeper to uncover the truth.

As an observer of this disheartening spectacle, one cannot help but question whether this phenomenon is unique to India or even limited to print media. Is it an affliction that spans the journalism landscape, transcending geographical boundaries and media formats? Unfortunately, the evidence suggests that this lack of rigor in investigative reporting is not confined to one region or platform. It seems to have seeped into the very foundation of journalism, hollowing out the essence of its purpose.

The consequences of such a passive approach to reporting are profound. By failing to grill the IOs with pointed questions about the sluggish pace of investigations or the identities of the culprits, journalists are unwittingly allowing a cloak of invisibility to be draped over the guilty parties. The absence of rigorous scrutiny enables the perpetrators to evade accountability and continue their heinous acts with impunity.

In essence, the journalists' reluctance to challenge the official narrative directly contributes to a culture of silence and fear. Innocent victims of animal cruelty and rape are left voiceless and defenseless, their suffering buried under the weight of unexplored truths. Such complacency perpetuates an environment where justice remains elusive, and the true victims are rendered invisible to society's conscience.

The consequences of this failing are not limited to animal cruelty cases alone. The broader impact of journalists merely parroting press releases extends to every realm of investigative journalism. When a society loses its truth-seekers and watchdogs, the very pillars of democracy begin to crumble.

It is high time for news media and journalists to reclaim their role as fearless seekers of truth, to reignite the embers of passion that once fueled their profession. By breaking free from the shackles of complacency and challenging the status quo, journalists can restore the purpose of their profession and breathe life into a dying industry.

No longer should they be satisfied with being mere reporters who disseminate information. The call of the hour demands a transformation, a return to the roots of journalism as the vanguards of democracy. They must embrace the grit of investigative journalism, digging deep, and asking the tough questions that expose the hidden layers of truth.

If journalists take the courageous leap to reclaim their legacy, they have the power to reshape society's conscience and inspire positive change. By shining a relentless spotlight on the dark corners of injustice, they can bring forth the voiceless and pave the way for a more equitable and compassionate world.

As we reflect on the decline of true journalism and witness the waning passion in the hearts of journalists, let us not mourn but find hope in this wake-up call. The funeral for the old ways of journalism beckons the birth of a new era. An era where journalists embrace their role as torchbearers of truth, where they challenge the powerful and amplify the voices of the marginalized.

In this new age, it is time for journalists to rise from the ashes of complacency and breathe life into their profession once more. It is time to step away from the lure of press releases and delve into the heart of investigative reporting. By doing so, they can restore the faith of their readers, reignite the flame of journalism's soul, and embrace the responsibility of being the fearless storytellers our world so desperately needs.

As the internet age ushered in a new era of information dissemination, citizen journalism and social media emerged as formidable forces, offering a platform for individuals to report news, express opinions, and share stories without the need for traditional gatekeepers. Unfortunately, this democratization of media also exposed the frailty of the mainstream press, as their relevance dwindled due to their own complacency.

The decline of newspapers is not confined to a specific region; it is a global phenomenon. The malaise that infects the print media in India has parallels in other parts of the world. But it is essential to understand that this predicament is not solely due to the rise of citizen journalism or social media. Rather, it is the result of failing to uphold the principles that journalism was built upon - objectivity, tenacity, and a passion for the truth.

The idealism that once motivated young journalists to embark on dangerous quests to uncover hidden stories now seems to be fading into oblivion. It is disheartening to see that many of my colleagues, who were once driven by the thrill of uncovering the untold, have settled into a mundane routine, content with mediocrity. The pursuit of truth should never be overshadowed by the pursuit of a paycheck.

The remedy to this malady lies in reigniting the flame of passion within the hearts of journalists. It is time to rekindle the spirit of investigation, to venture into the field, and witness events firsthand. Instead of accepting the surface-level narratives fed to us, let us question, probe, and unveil the layers of truth that lie beneath. This is the essence of investigative journalism - to be relentless in the pursuit of the truth, even if it means facing dangers and hardships.

The recent Manipur incident stands as a stark reminder of the loss of purpose among journalists. While the focus on the Prime Minister's silence grabbed headlines, it overshadowed crucial issues that demanded attention - the state of the police, their potential involvement, and the mental health of the victims. True journalism calls for delving beyond the surface and presenting the public with a comprehensive understanding of complex matters. I've heard that some unconventional media, much like art films shed light on society in real, took a different approach to reporting on Manipur. But let's face it, how many of India's 1.3 billion people consume such slow media? Hence, there's a pressing need for regional newspapers to be more vibrant and alive as Bollywood once was, serving as reliable sources of information by storytellers that resonate with their diverse readership.

Citizen journalists have shown the way, proving that anyone with the right intent and dedication can fill the void left by traditional media. The barriers to entry have crumbled, and the power to report news and change lives lies within the hands of individuals. But let this not be a reason for journalists to shy away; rather, let it be an inspiration to rise to the occasion, to embrace the challenges, and to stand tall as the guardians of truth.

Citizen journalism and social media have risen to fill the void left by traditional newspapers, and rightly so. The power to report news and shape public opinion is no longer the sole prerogative of established media outlets. Everyday individuals have the means to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of diverse voices that were previously unheard.

In this shifting paradigm, newspapers must adapt or perish. The survival of top publications lies in embracing the digital revolution. The integration of multimedia storytelling, engaging with audiences on social media, and inviting guest journalists to contribute are essential steps to rejuvenate the industry.

While it's true that newspapers have their own columnists, the time has come to acknowledge the significance of other voices. Inviting guest journalists, to contribute can inject fresh perspectives and foster a more inclusive media landscape. We must shatter the barriers that confine journalism to a limited pool of privileged voices and embrace the diverse narratives that make our world vibrant and beautiful.

The funeral of newspapers is not a celebration of defeat; it is a call to arms. It is time to reclaim the soul of journalism, to reignite the passion that once inspired fearless reporting and unyielding pursuit of truth. Let us remember that journalism isn't just a profession; it is a responsibility, a sacred duty to inform, enlighten, and empower.

And I really would like to see my colleagues in media question the narratives handed to them as a press release better known as a silver platter.