Mediawatch: The primary purpose of media is to serve as the voice of the people — to amplify the concerns of the weak and the marginalized, and to provide aplatform that echoes their grievances to the world.Unfortunately, the recent developments in Andhra Pradesh once again expose the disheartening decline of leading Telugu media channels that are fiercely competing for TRP ratings under the guise of being “number one” or “number two.”
In Andhra Pradesh, a tragic incident unfolded during a rally conducted in Sattenapalli without the permission of the Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy government. Two individuals lost their lives in this unfortunate episode. Disturbingly, one of the deceased was run over by a vehicle reportedly belonging to Jagan Reddy himself. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the victim was not even rushed to a hospital but was instead left to die, an act that deeply shames society. Shocking visuals of the incident have since gone viral on social media. Yet, mainstream Telugu news channels chose to ignore this grave incident, revealing a shocking level of editorial apathy.
These are the very channels that are quick to sensationalize even minor missteps by leaders of TDP or Jana Sena, blowing them out of proportion to create nationwide debates. But when it comes to the death of a Dalit elder — crushed under the wheels of power — they maintain a calculated silence. This selective outrage exposes the double standards that plague today’s media houses.
Adding to the dismay, YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu even appeared to justify the horrific incident in public statements, which, ironically, were given prime coverage by these very channels. On one hand, the media lavishes endless praise on Jagan Mohan Reddy’s leadership, and on the other hand, they seemingly legitimize the tragic death of a YSRCP worker, Mr. Singayya, who died under such horrific circumstances. How else are people supposed to interpret this, if not as a glaring reflection of the rot that has set into political leadership and the media’s role as its enabler?
The media, whose sacred duty is to question power and seek accountability, has instead morphed into a propaganda machine for a single political party. Its utter lack of basic human sensitivity is not just disappointing …it is dangerous. A media that refuses to stand by the people will inevitably face its downfall .. if not today, then certainly tomorrow. For, what is the point of media that does not serve the people? Whether such media exists or ceases to exist makes little difference to the common citizen.
_ BY senior journalist Muralikrishna
