13

Dec

The Price of Privilege

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A person with white hair and glasses Description automatically generatedAs Milton Friedman noted, "There is no such thing as a free lunch." Similarly, while advancements in technology have made journalism more convenient, they come at a cost. The current generation of journalists enjoys unprecedented access to information and tools, but this convenience has implications for the craft of journalism.

Unlike their predecessors, modern journalists can gather facts, check spelling, and verify usage at the click of a button. The internet eliminates the need for time-consuming library visits or consulting senior colleagues for context. Additionally, mobile technology simplifies reporting. Journalists can now conduct interviews via video calls, bypassing the challenges of scheduling and travel. This has transformed the profession into a more comfortable and efficient field compared to the manual processes of the pre-digital era.

However, this ease of access has drawbacks. Modern journalists often miss out on the "ground realities" that arise from personal interactions with political figures and their entourages. Such interactions, common in earlier times, provided insights into the nuanced world of politics. Today, political reporting often focuses on politicians' statements rather than the underlying dynamics of policy and power.

 

Column At A Glance
Milton Friedman famously stated, "There is no such thing as a free lunch," a sentiment that resonates in today’s journalism landscape. While technological advancements have streamlined the reporting process, they come with significant trade-offs. Modern journalists benefit from instant access to information and tools, allowing for quick fact-checking and remote interviews. However, this convenience often leads to a disconnect from the "ground realities" that arise from personal interactions with political figures, which were crucial for nuanced reporting in the past.
Friday Fuss
By Pradeep Mathur
The shift from a hands-on approach to a reliance on digital tools has made political journalism less about strategic information gathering and more about surface-level statements. An anecdote from the author’s experience illustrates this: a seasoned journalist recognized a political leader's attempt to manipulate the media, underscoring the importance of verification and critical thinking. Ultimately, while technology enhances efficiency, it is vital for journalists to maintain the investigative rigor and personal engagement that define their craft.

Political journalism, once akin to a game of chess, has also shifted. Earlier, correspondents had to skilfully extract information from politicians, often matching wits to uncover hidden agendas. Politicians, typically more seasoned players, aimed to use the media to bolster their public image. In the digital age, however, journalists working from the comfort of air-conditioned offices often lack the sharpness required for this intricate game. Their reliance on digital tools leaves them vulnerable to being outmanoeuvred by politicians operating in the gritty world of power politics.

An illustrative example comes from the author’s tenure as Resident Editor of The Pioneer. Veteran socialist leader Raj Narain once visited the office, attempting to plant a sensational story. He claimed to have predicted Indira Gandhi’s assassination, allegedly due to her son Rajiv Gandhi’s connection to Italian mafia through his wife, Sonia. While younger reporters were initially captivated, the author, an experienced journalist, recognized the bluff. Upon requesting evidence of prior publication, Narain’s claims unravelled. The incident highlighted the importance of verifying facts and resisting political manipulation—an essential lesson for budding journalists.

In conclusion, while technology has eased many aspects of journalism, it risks diluting the depth and authenticity of the craft. Personal interactions and on-ground experiences, critical for capturing the full picture, are often overlooked. Journalism today demands a balance: embracing technological tools while retaining the investigative rigor and personal engagement that define the profession.

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