CLAMOUR OF TRUTH AND THE SILENCE OF JOURNALISM: HAS THE FOURTH PILLAR OF DEMOCRACY BEEN LOST?:INDRA YADAV

CLAMOUR OF TRUTH AND THE SILENCE OF JOURNALISM: HAS THE FOURTH PILLAR OF DEMOCRACY BEEN LOST?:INDRA YADAV

28-JUNE-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------It is often said that the pen holds immense power. However, the reality is that the pen is now frequently stifled by the pressures of 'advertising' and 'money,' leading to a growing silence in journalism.

We read newspapers or watch television every morning, hoping to discover the truth. Newspapers and news channels describe themselves as the 'mirror of society' and the 'fourth pillar of democracy.' While this sounds admirable, the reality is somewhat different. Today, that 'mirror' has become so clouded that we see only what they want us to see.

Journalism was once a form of service and a dedicated pursuit. Today, it has become merely a game of 'TRP' (Television Rating Points). Modern journalists may sit in studios discussing global affairs, yet they often overlook the broken roads in their own cities or the struggles of the poor—simply because these issues do not generate 'TRP.' The courage to report the truth seems to have waned, replaced by a tendency to prioritize personal gain.

We often hear that journalists are the 'voice of the people.' Yet, the truth is that modern news channels offer little more than noise. The louder one shouts, the more 'truthful' they are perceived to be. There is little appetite for stating the truth calmly and fearlessly; instead, the preference is for sensationalism.

In today's climate, remaining impartial is an immense challenge. If you fail to criticize one side, you are immediately labeled a supporter of a particular party. The fact is, people no longer wish to hear unbiased news; they only want to hear what aligns with their own preferences.

We speak grandly about how society can be transformed through 'ideas and values.' While these are noble sentiments, one wonders—are they confined merely to speeches? • As long as journalism remains for sale, it cannot become the voice of the people.

Until we (readers and viewers) learn to scrutinize the truth ourselves, we will continue to be fed lies.

The mirror of society will not become clear until we make an effort to clean it ourselves.

Journalists must uphold their integrity, and we—the general public—must strive to distinguish between right and wrong. The true power of the pen will only be revealed when it writes the truth fearlessly and without being compromised.

Do you feel that unbiased news has been lost in today's times, or are you still able to find news that can be trusted?