Articles Against National Interest or Military Threat

Articles Against National Interest or Military Threat

SREEJITH.M
4/16/2012

Introduction
National interest is the interest of a nation as a whole in matter of defense, economy, foreign policy etc., and is superior to the interests of any sub-ordinate groups or even individuals for that matter.   It plays a very important role in the matters of international relations of a country. While the state’s survival is considered primary, pursuit of wealth, economic growth and protection of its culture are also of utmost importance.
History-In the Indian constitution, the phrase “freedom of press” has not been used. However, freedom of speech and expression includes freedom of press. This freedom has been misused by media persons on various occasions in spite of the guidelines put forth by the government. However, the media has certain duties to its people as well. It hopes to have the freedom to inform and be informed at all times. There have been instances when the media has been prevented from doing its duties by the government as well. India is ranked 120th according to a survey conducted by reporters without borders. In this assignment, I shall highlight a few incidents where media ethics have been violated in terms of national interests and military threats.
Godhra riots (2002)
Ethically, media is expected to remain objective about any event while reporting a story. The pros and cons of an incident have to be covered without any kind of bias.
The Godhra riots of 2002, was one event where the damage could have been minimized by media sensitivity as opposed to media sensationalism. Initially, when a bogey containing Hindu pilgrims was set on fire, there were absolutely no voices of comfort to the families of the deceased from the media or the government. Angered by this, the Hindus retaliated. While every newspaper carried headlines such as “genocide of Muslims” not one newspaper mentioned anything about a few Hindus who risked their own lives to protect the...