As the world is exposed to several problems during this crisis time, individuals and organizations are expected to make contribution for the betterment of society. It is their responsibility to portray a better image of the world and highlight the problems in such a way that they can be rectified. However, this is not the case in today’s world. Profit making media organizations care only about the money they want to make rather than the larger interests of the society. The role of press in recent years has been detrimental for many countries. The press has been constantly presenting news in a fashion which creates negative feelings amongst the audience. It highlights news which it wants to irrespective of the fact what impact would it have on the people. Therefore it would not be wrong to conclude that the press has played a vital role in misleading people.
One of the most popular tools used by the press is sensationalism. What we see is that if any tragedy or event happens, the press would sensationalize it. For instance if a bomb blast happens, the press would show videos and pictures of dead and injured people. This would instigate feelings of fear in the already frightened people. The role of the regulatory bodies has been considerably weak in this regard. Most of the countries have allowed the press full freedom to write or show whatever they want to. Such minimal restrictions give them the freedom to sensationalize events to get a higher TRP.
Another problem with the media is that they show people what they want to see. An already blind general public is exposed to media exploitation. People these days want some spice in the news they read or watch irrespective of the fact that the news is highlighting the proper facts or not. For instance the television media would choose to spend its entire air time to show the wedding ceremony of celebrities but would not show what problems the general public is facing. No doubt that people want some entertainment through the press but the balance has to be maintained between providing entertainment and news.
The press has become so strong that it has the power to control how people think. Most of the general public relates itself to the opinions presented by television anchors or newspaper writers. Not only does it mislead them, it also dampens their power to think and analyze. The news captivates you in such a way that it almost becomes impossible to form an individual and unbiased opinion about an occurrence.
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The press has also played a negative role in the upbringing of young children. By signifying violence all the time they have poisoned the minds of young children who might grow up to choose the wrong path as highlighted by the media. Instead of explaining to the public that acts of violence should be strongly condemned, they give the impression that only those who choose the wrong way are able to succeed in this world while other government authorities which are responsible for handling the affairs of the country are a total failure.
It is high time that the press realizes that there are things in this world which are more important than money. Rather than being heartless souls, they should be a representation of the people’s voice and opinions. They are to take steps for the benefit of their country and act as responsible organizations. The power to control people is in their hands but how do they use that power is a question that needs to be answered.