Gandhiji’s views on the role of Media:

Gandhiji views on journalism are more relevant in the present day context, where sensationalism is more or less the order of the day. He brought thought revolution, partly by using his journalistic skills through his writings in the newspapers. The internal struggle he had undergone for adhering to the norms should be a useful lesson to the present day journalists. It is equally applicable to the present day Television and Internet. It is felt that his thought provoking views as quoted below are worthy of consideration at this present juncture.

He said, “The newspapers should give proper publicity healthy, heart warming incidents. Publishing details of ghastly crimes only excites the dangerous spirit of retaliation and revenge. The press has become a very powerful force in our present-day world. It can render very great constructive service in the cause of peace, and it must do so.”

The norms set by him for himself are, “To be true to my faith, therefore, I may not write in anger or malice. I may not write idly. I may not write merely to excite passion. The reader can have no idea of the restraint I have to exercise from week to week in the choice of topics and my vocabulary. It is training for me. It enables me to peep into myself and to make discoveries of my weaknesses. Often my vanity dictates a smart expression or my anger a harsh adjective. It is terrible ordeal but a fine exercise to remove these weeds.”

The media at present generally violate these norms of Gandhiji, is a common knowledge. The case of ‘paid news’ which had come to light in earlier elections was an example.
At least the Government media (TV channels and other means) can highlight the views of Gandhiji through discussion/ debate.
Further the ownership/ shareholders particulars of private media (specially TV and newspapers) should be made known to the public from time to time for information to the public in general. more