Media Coverge-Bombay Blasts-26/11/08

By and large, the live coverage by the media was exceptional in that the media personnel, in general,were very professional,innovative,caring,sensitive and passionate.However some areas need careful thought.

1.Some channels,were outright speculative.In their anxiety to provide passionate coverage,few media personnel on the field resorted to crass statement's on the system and the powers that be;though they are justified, it was neither the time nor the place to do so.Few of them used a language that tended to ignite passions.In fact ,a reporter complained that the officials are not allowing to do their duty to cover the incident,forgetting that it was sensitive operation and the reporters lives were also at risk.

2.A channel,through their anchor has tried and judged the yet unknown perpetrators guilty,thus providing fodder to Pakistan that India had already made up their mind about Pakistan"s involvement.In the same channel,a Rtd.Pakistan Army general was being goaded into making some remarks that were not in the interests of our country.Thank God!He saw the ploy and became non-committal thereafter.

3.There was also an insensitive question to Mr.Ratan Tata as to "what compensation were Tatas contemplating for their employees who fought valiantly'.He was also asked as to the extent of damage to the property and the number of guests in the hotel at the time of the attack.Is it not grossly insensitive?The details of guests could have been obtained sans camera,surely.MR.Tata was dignified in his response.

As for as the code for covering the event, it is better that media formulate its own code and implement and it need not be entrusted to Politicians and bureaucrats.
Any,we can proudly say Indian Journalism has come of age and can can give a run for their money to foreign News Channels, due to their professionalism,commitment and patriotism

May your tribe increase.