Jaipur, Feb 6: India TV chairman and Editor-in-chief Rajat Sharma today rubbished allegations that visual media, particularly news channels, was working only for TRPs.
In his speech at a function organised by Bhaskar group here, Sharma said visual media has become more sensitive towards society and is discharging its duties effectively.
He cited two recent examples to rubbish claims that media was insensitive towards the society: Firstly, he said, when Aishwarya was pregnant, her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan requested media to respect her privacy, and within minutes all the news channels' cameras were removed from outside the family's residence.
Secondly, he said, when former Team India captain Mohammad Azharuddin's son was killed in a freak accident, there was a sense of curiosity among public to know more about the tragedy, but Azhar requested news channels to respect the family's privacy in its hour of grief. Within 5-minutes, all the cameras were removed. Will you call this insensitivity, he asked.
Responding to questions at the program titled ‘Samaj Ki Kasauti Par Media', he said media is working for the betterment of the society and is not sensationalizing news as is being alleged.
He recited a few lines to put forward his thoughts:
Peer Parvat Si Bhari Hai, Ab Pighalni Chahiye,
Is Himalay Se Koi Ganga Nikalni Chahiye,
Mere Sine Mein Na Sahi, Tere Sine Mein Hi Sahi,
Ho Kahi Bhi Aag, Lekin Aag Jalni Chahiye,
Sirf Hungama Khada Karna Mera Kaam Nahi,
Koshish To Ye Hai Ki Ye Surat Badlani Chahiye.
Sharma said: “Media gains maximum TRPs during crisis situation like the Mumbai terrorist attack. For two days we and the other news channels did live coverage of the 26/11 attacks and in the process we had to do away with our commercial breaks. That resulted in revenue loss. This was the spirit of the news channels - to inform and educate the viewers.”
