Media Conclave at DMS-IIT Delhi Gathers Luminaries from the World of Print, TV & Radio

Media Conclave at DMS-IIT Delhi Gathers Luminaries from the World of Print, TV & Radio

Nexus - The Media Conclave - was held on 4th February under the aegis of 'Parivartan 07' - the Annual B-Fest of the Department of Management Studies (DMS), IIT Delhi. The theme was "Commercialization of the Media: Changing Roles & Responsibilities". The event was a grand affair with luminaries from the world of print, television and radio gracing the event.

While Mr. Hari Jai Singh, Former Editor-in-Chief of Tribune, journalist and author, Mr. Swaminathan Ankleshwar Iyer, journalist of Swaminomics fame, former editor of ET, and Ms. Shobha De, celebrity journalist and author, represented the print media, Ms. Anjana Kashyap, anchor, ZEE News, and Mr. Tapas Sen, Exec VP, Radio Mirchi, Times Group, spoke out for television and radio respectively.

The event was kicked off by Dr. Vinayshil Gautam from the Department of Management Studies, who introduced the panelists by giving a small brief on each.

Mr. Hari Jai Singh, who was also the moderator of the conclave, set the ball rolling by sharing his views on the rapid commercialization of the media and the dilemma it has created in the minds of both, the viewers and the fourth estate. He stressed on the need for journalists to draw a Laxman Rekha and achieve a balance between TRP ratings and social responsibility.

During his address, Mr. Swaminathan Ankleshwar Iyer was more vociferous in his support of the media. Defending their need to commercialize, he stated that the better financials of media companies was the reason for the marked improvement in the quality and reliability of content today. He concluded with the firm belief that increasing competition and freedom was the only way to promote social justice.

Ms. Shobha De struck a more compromising note in her address. While acknowledging the fact that media credibility has taken a hit in recent times, she supported Mr. Iyer in his views on competition and censorship. According to her, viewers had to shoulder some responsibility in enhancing the quality of journalism in the country. She also urged the Indian public to be more open and participative in the workings of the fourth estate.

On his part, Mr. Tapas Sen gave his take on the role of radio in achieving social empowerment. While calling radio as the true mass medium, he shared many examples of how radio had taken up social causes. His views on the ability of radio to mobilize the masses into action were especially insightful.

Ms. Anjana Kashyap began with her interpretation of the media's role in the Jessica Lal case. Calling it a perfect example of positive media intervention, she focused on the need to present different viewpoints in front of the masses. At the same time, she stressed on the increasing number of errors creeping into television reporting today. She called on the Indian media to pull up its socks and act more responsibly in its pursuit of excellence.

The conclave was then thrown open to questions from the house wherein audience members quizzed the panel on many aspects relating to media censorship and sensationalism. All the panelists were very enthusiastic in their responses to these queries. The Conclave ended with a small summary of the discussion by Mr. Hari Jai Singh, after which each of the luminaries was presented with a memento by Dr. Vinayshil Gautam on behalf of the Department of Management Studies.

Concluded.

Contributed by -
Misal Mehta,
Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi.

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