Media blew Nithyananda Swami issue out of proportion – senior journalist

Media blew Nithyananda Swami issue out of proportion – senior journalist

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, June 30, 2012 : Addressing the gathering at a program organized by the Journalists’ Study Centre in Mangalore as part of the Kannada Press Day celebrations today, senior journalist Shashidhar Bhat said that the media has blown the Nithyananda issue out of proportions.

 

Explaining his statement, he said that it was wrong of the media to single out Nithyananda Swami when none of them spoke a word against Lingayat Swamis extending their support to B. S. Yeddyurappa, the former CM of Karnataka. Accusing the media of attacking Nithyananda just because he does not enjoy the caste support that other swamis do, he demanded to know if the media would have been harsh on Nithyananda Swami if he came from a Vokkaliga, Brahmin, or Lingayat background.

Speaking about the birth and development of journalism in India, he said that Indian journalism began as a movement against British oppression, not an industry, and lamented that the modern media has become an industry interested only in profits. Stating that TV news channels are focusing too much on sensational issues such as the BJP’s internal rift, he said that the media is least bothered about important issues such as lack of rain, drought in several areas, and so on.

Especially addressing the journalism students present at the program, he urged them to develop a sense of social responsibility. He also advised them not to step into journalism if they are thinking in terms of converting the fourth estate into a business.

Addressing the gathering, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Chairperson Asha Nayak urged reporters to protect the privacy of children while reporting cases of abuse and injustice. While admitting that the media ought to highlight children’s issues, she urged journalists to avoid sensationalizing the issues and to protect the privacy of children. She said that legal action can be taken against the media if they reveal a child victim’s identity.