We know that media is known as the fourth pillar of democracy. Its role is to provide unbiased, factually-correct information to its citizens and to hold ruling institutions accountable for its actions. However, the mainstream media hasn't been much helpful lately.
Instead of reporting prevalent social issues like hate crimes, the rising unemployment, poor healthcare system, women's safety, and climate change, among a myriad other things, the mainstream news channels are adamant to show us all things irrelevant.
From Ranveer Singh's 'bum' to Alia Bhatt's pregnancy, Indian news channels use the Bollywood card to distract us from real issues. So, here is a twist to the Spotify Wrapped trend ft. Primetime news from Indian media in 2022. Take a look:
Ranveer Singh's Nude Photoshoot
For an entire month or so, Ranveer Singh and his 'bum' became a national issue. While inflation was at an all-time high and Indian Rupee was crashing like a shooting star, the Indian mainstream media decided to hold several panel discussions over Ranveer's photoshoot. Because, priorities!
Shah Rukh's Dua
At the funeral of the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, a controversy erupted after a BJP leader claimed that Shah Rukh spat on Lata Mangeshkar. This misinformation spread like wildfire, and the Indian news channels covered the issue incessantly.
Sushmita Sen & Lalit Modi's Relationship Status
Sushmita Sen has been known to defy the societal norms quite a lot and her personal life has often become a topic of discussion in the media. But, when Lalit Modi posted the pictures of them together, it was all that the media could talk about. From speculating on their relationship status to discussing Sushmita's past partners, important socio-political issues took a backseat.
Alia Bhatt’s Personal Life Became a Public Concern
Alia Bhatt proved that 2022 was her year. From delivering 4 massive hits and receiving a TIME 100 Impact Award, to working in her first Hollywood film, Heart of Stone, Alia has seen massive success in her professional life. But, it was her personal life that dominated the news channels. Whether it was her wedding, or her pregnancy news, it was all that we heard in 2022. It was especially painful to watch media hounding Alia's car when she was leaving the hospital after delivering her baby.
The lack of concern for privacy, the excessive scrutiny and unsolicited comments on Alia's personal life by media was disappointing.
The purpose of this article is not to say that media shouldn't report on Bollywood or Entertainment news, but to ensure that they don't use it as way of distracting us from the actual concerns.
At a time when our country is grappling with serious issues of climate change, increasing hate crimes, inflation, etc it is the responsibility of the media to maintain the fabric of democracy, restore their role as a 'watchdog' and report on these issues diligently.
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