There's a question which haunts - or should haunt - journalism. Who bears the greater responsibility: journalists or politicians?This is exactly what is bothering the Gorse Fox.
...the media have done three things to our politics. They have sought - very largely successfully - to substitute their rhythms, priorities and criteria for those of the workings of democratic institutions.
Take Kashmir
As he watched the coverage of the terrible earthquake in Kashmir and saw the reporters preening and puffing out their chests on screen... interviewees proclaimed "The government isn't doing enough". The arrival of hordes of reporters makes people think access is easy, therefore the army should be able to arrive.
The reality is the whole region is devastated. There was no warning. Every town and village needs help. The roads are out. For most the only access is on foot or by helicopter. The army has to perform a logistical miracle with its limited resources. Foreign Aid is arriving, but distribution is dependent on access. Ther is no doubt that these people need help, but they also need information. There is no evidence that the media are providing that information to the victims, and without an understanding of these simle facts they will continue to expect instant miracles that are unlikley to happen.
God Bless the survivors and keep them safe.
[File under: MSM, BBC, Earthquake,Kashmir]
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