A free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad.

Yesterday I saw the film 'Rann' starring superstar Amitabh Bachan, playing the role of an ethical journalist who tried depicting through his character the role played by media in dissipating news and how that role get influenced under different circumstances. He committed in the end to have lost the battle of truth even after being the only one to take major decisions in his news channel. But today how many people in media are even fighting for truth while serving people? The ideology of liberalism in media had been questioned many times in the past on sensitive incidents like 26/11 terrorism attack on Mumbai but there need to have a overhaul in judicial system to decide over the freedom of press. Picking up instances from the film itself media just don't work under any law and order. In fact freedom to extract information from myriad resources can be called as the only order of work. I used to believe there is cut-throat competition only in academics but seeing the state of media I can only say that we should be better off facing our age long competition in studies; at least we don't kill people for it (as of now).

Media can play a very strong and crucial function in today's time when there are hordes of choices available in literally every sphere of life. It can be instrumental in bringing justice as seen in case of Jessica lal murder and currently the clamor over Ruchika's case. This was just a minimal show of the power of media and press. Media has access to places where common man is reluctant to encroach. It can instrumental in bringing about change in society; whether it be creating awareness about family planning, discouraging child labor, spreading education or developing a more aware society by reporting authentic daily events occurred all over the country. Now a days global events affect our country more than ever so it become imperative to understand the global sentiments as they directly impacts our earnings here, consequently our family well being. Media has also played important role by undertaking sting operations exposing some high profile politicians, bureaucrats , celebrities which could have gone unnoticed for several years scraping our national income and pride. Press can divert the attention of the government and masses to sections of society and hinterland where there is immediate need to provide resources for inclusive growth of the country. Many people talk about inclusive growth- a growth which encompasses all sections and divisions than being concentrated only to certain diaspora. This growth cannot happened in this country without the dedicated support of media as they form the channel to the masses.

Having said all this I want to underscore the caveats underlying this prime role of serving truth to the masses. Being playing an indispensable part there are many competitors in this domain resulting in perilous repercussions where most of the times news are just not transmitted but it's cooked too. An old adage says " too many cooks spoil the dish" which implies here too. At some time ago when there was more stress on the authenticity and validity of information now it's all about how attractive it seems to the people. The desire to be the most eyed channel and amassing TRPs (Trade Rating Points) reporters and channels are touching nadir of nuisances and spreading boredom.

I believe media and entertainment should be the reflection of its viewers and if there is some problem with the content and extent then there must be some problem with viewers too. TRPs are nothing but the response of viewers. In my view the only and the most practical solution of unmindful freedom of press is giving the right response to the channels so that they modulate their efforts in right direction. Governments should now come forward take steps towards a more upright form of communication and not letting it become the remote control in the hands of few.

If Thomas Edison invented electric light today, Dan Rather would report it on CBS News as, ''Candle making industry threatened''.................Newt Gingrich