Experts Discuss Media's Influence On Public Mind

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While violent acts in international television programmes average 
between five and six, the figure lies between 22 and 24 when it comes to 
Indian television programmes. Facts like this formed part of a panel 
discussion on ‘Mind Pollution (Media and its Impact on the Society)’ 
organised by Gunjan Foundation at India Habitat Centre.

Maintaining that ABC and TRP ratings dictate the norms in print and 
electronic media respectively, Singhvi said motivated reporting was 
another reason for media not being objective, adding: ‘‘But media cannot 
be selected as an independent segment of reform and any reform in the 
sector needs to come through self-regulation.’’

Defending the media, executive director, TVLIVE India Pvt Ltd, Nalini 
Singh said, ‘‘Commerce dictates the business in electronic media but we 
must keep an eye on gate-keepers. But the digital media is now 
redefining society. Combining information and speed, cyberculture is 
having a democratising influence and has a potential for dissemination 
of information.’’

According to official figures, in 2003, the print media published 
cigarette advertisements worth Rs 449.3 crore and the electronic media 
Rs 36.7 crore. While print media published Rs 173.9 crore worth of 
advertisements of pan masala, zarda and gutka the same year, the 
electronic media spent Rs 196.4 crore on the same.

Source:
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=82130