DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM: GOOD GOVERNANCE AND THE ROLE OF MEDIA:PROF. SANJAY DWIWEDI

DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM: GOOD GOVERNANCE AND THE ROLE OF MEDIA:PROF. SANJAY DWIWEDI

19-APRIL-ENG 14

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------The power of the media today is ubiquitous—and, in many respects, all-consuming. In such a scenario, the media's role in addressing questions of development and in ensuring its widespread reach among the public has become critically important. We are living in an era where issues concerning development and good governance have begun to feature prominently in our political discourse; consequently, it is inconceivable that these very discussions would not find a place within the media landscape. It is widely expected that the processes of societal development—along with the aspirations driving them—should be duly chronicled within the media. A growing number of journalists are stepping forward to report on these subjects. On a global stage as well, development journalism is being viewed through a fresh lens. In India, an entire generation of journalists stands ready to engage with the challenges and questions inherent in development journalism; however, the lack of priority accorded to these subjects by mainstream media outlets often results in nothing but disappointment. The crisis, therefore, does not stem from the journalists themselves, but rather from the media institutions and their management. Is the issue of development merely a subject for government advertisements or state-run media? Or is it, in fact, a reflection of the innovations and transformations taking place within society itself? Development journalism ought to be an integral part not only of academic curricula but also of the actual practice of journalism.

In a society as diverse and pluralistic as India's, it is a formidable task to comprehensively capture every hope, dream, and instance of change. This is because development manifests on multiple planes, and the social fabric of the nation is inherently multi-layered. A popular adage in India observes: "The taste of water changes every four *kos* (approx. 8 miles), and the dialect changes every eight *kos*." Consequently, no single state can be evaluated using a solitary, uniform yardstick. For instance, within Madhya Pradesh, one finds the prosperous region of Malwa on one side, while areas like Jhabua exist on the other. On one hand, there is the glitz and glamour of Indore; on the other, regions such as Alirajpur. Similarly, in Chhattisgarh, one finds the remote wilderness of Abujhmad alongside the industrial hub of Bhilai. In such a context, the challenges confronting journalists—or those who write on issues of development—are significantly amplified. By the same token, the very role and scope of development itself become expansive and dynamic in this environment. If we look back, prior to 1950, economic growth was the single most critical priority for us. However, the concerns following 1950 took a different turn. In subsequent years, social development came to be regarded as a major factor. Issues ranging from social justice to sustainable development have now assumed greater significance. Furthermore, matters such as the environment and global warming have also emerged as pressing concerns before us.

At one point, we also witnessed debates between developed and developing nations—discussions in which the McBride Commission Report appeared to offer a distinct perspective, raising certain questions that remain pertinent even today. We also entered an era of comprehensive media expansion—moving away from a controlled press—where concealing or suppressing information became virtually impossible. At times, it even appeared that the issue of development held significance solely for government-controlled media channels, while other media platforms pursued their own distinct agendas and opinions. It is also crucial to recognize here that communication entails more than just the mere transfer of information; rather, it involves taking a principled stance and advocating for justice. It is about empowering the masses. It is also about promoting and establishing the concept of equality of opportunity.

Decentralization has raised several new questions regarding development—questions for which we must seek concrete and rational solutions. For instance, India has taken a monumental leap forward through the Panchayati Raj system. Consequently, power has effectively reached the grassroots level of the *Panchayats*; yet, the pertinent question remains: has this process truly strengthened our democracy? Have not the various ills plaguing parliamentary politics and electoral processes infiltrated our *Panchayats* as well? Conversely, if we turn our attention to the media, we observe a parallel expansion; its scope has broadened, and its reach has extended significantly. However, if we ask whether the media has simultaneously cultivated a greater sense of sensitivity, receptiveness, and respect for diversity, the answer would likely be in the negative. People, disillusioned with the three pillars of governance—the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary—now look toward the media with immense hope and expectation. In many respects, while a decentralization of political power is evident, the media appears to be gradually falling victim to centralization. Therefore, it is imperative that nations like India address the issue of "cross-media ownership" in order to safeguard against the inherent dangers of media monopolies. Concurrently, it is imperative to transform the Press Council—an institution currently lacking any real teeth or authority—by altering its powers and jurisdiction to reconstitute it as a 'Media Council,' thereby enabling it to bring even today's influential media entities within its purview.

The crisis we currently confront is this: while the volume of information has surged, the substance of actual news has diminished. Newspaper pages have expanded in number, yet the common man has vanished from them. Television channels now broadcast around the clock; however, they leave very little room for issues of development or the concerns of the public. Yet, the true liberation of development journalism lies in the principle that the media must reach out to those who cannot access it—to listen to their grievances and to focus on stories that are positive and inspire hope.

Our politics is evolving, and our society is undergoing transformation; however, the style in which our media thinks and expresses itself has not evolved commensurately with the pace at which it ought to have. A prevailing perception has now taken root that development is not a priority for the Indian media—and, perhaps, neither is society itself. Our civic consciousness has elevated the media to a status seemingly greater than that of society. Yet, let this be regarded as an absolute certainty: no media entity, no political force, and no individual can ever be greater than society itself. For a media industry that is actively seeking its market base among the youth—specifically those aged 18 to 25 or 18 to 35—its immediate concerns may well differ; however, the concerns of society are of a distinct nature. It is these latter concerns that constitute the true priorities. If the media chooses to conduct itself in isolation from these societal concerns, it is, in essence, manufacturing a crisis for its own very existence—a crisis that inevitably brings with it attendant issues regarding its credibility and authenticity. This is, therefore, the opportune moment for media leaders to pause and reflect: at a time when the entire nation is focused on development and good governance... As the public grows serious about critical issues—and finds the courage to demand answers from its rulers—what exactly is our mainstream media doing? A host of such questions confront media leaders today; if we fail to seek solutions to these questions now, it will be too late by tomorrow.