Is NDTV Coca Cola Campaign good CSR?

NDTV is running a Coca Cola NDTV campaign. NDTV states the purpose of  this campaign as

In keeping with the NDTV philosophy of promoting critical issues, NDTV in partnership with Coca-Cola India, CAF & UN-Habitat launched the SUPPORT MY SCHOOL campaign on the 24th of January, 2011. This is a nationwide attempt to create Awareness on Water and Sanitation, Environment, Healthy Active Living. 

The stated purpose of the campaign is Noble indeed but Media Watch is concerned about long term effect of such campaigns of young Children

Harmful effects of carbonated softdrinks is well documented. This is what Wikipedia states

most nutritionists advise that Coca-Cola and other soft drinks can be harmful if consumed excessively, particularly to young children whose soft drink consumption competes with, rather than complements, a balanced diet. Studies have shown that regular soft drink users have a lower intake of calcium, magnesium,ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and vitamin A.^[78] The drink has also aroused criticism for its use of caffeine, which can cause physical dependence.^[79] A link has been shown between long-term regular cola intake and osteoporosis in older women (but not men).^[80] This was thought to be due to the presence of phosphoric acid, and the risk was found to be same for caffeinated and noncaffeinated colas, as well as the same for diet and sugared colas.

As part of the campaign, Depicted on the school building itself is a giant poster that identifies Coca-Cola as the sponsor of this campaign. 

Does this not constitute advertising of Coca-cola to young children? Is it not responsibility of corporates who run such campaigns to educated the young Kids on harmful effects of such drinks?

It is interesting to note that CSR policy of coca cola states

We have a global Responsible Marketing Policy that covers all our beverages, and we do not market any products directly to children under 12. This means we will not buy advertising directly targeted at audiences that are more than 35% children under 12. Our policy applies to television, radio, and print, and, where data is available, to the Internet and mobile phones.

In 2010, we evolved our global Responsible Marketing Policy and redefined the appropriate audience threshold for children's programming from audiences that are more than 50% children younger than 12 years of age to audiences that are more than 35% children younger than 12. This means we will not buy advertising directly targeted at audiences that are more than 35% children younger than 12. Our policy applies to all of our beverages and the media outlets we use, including television, radio and print and, where data is available, Internet and mobile phones.

NDTV should clarify on whether it has taken precautions to educate young children on harmful effects of consumption of softdrinks such as coca cola?

Also, NDTV should clarify whether this campaign is in compliance with stated CSR policy of Coca Cola?

So called Congress Apology for 1984 Sikh riots

One has to give it to Media for their relentless pursuit to crucify Modi.

After Supreme Court refrained from passing any order on a petition seeking Narendra Modi's prosecution for the 2002 riot, Gujarat riot cottage industry has lost all legal grounds to vilify Modi. Having lost Legal ground, now they have started a new line of argument which hinges on Moral ground. And often quoted example is congress apology to Sikhs for 1984 riot.

It is important, we understand what did PM Manmohan Singh actually said and what he did not say 

The so called apology came during an intervention in a discussion on an Opposition-sponsored motion in Rajya Sabha on the Nanavati Commission's report. Manmohan Singh said on 11 August 2005 (21 years after actual incident). 

I have no hesitation  in  apologizing not only to the Sikh  community but the whole Indian nation because what  took place  in 1984 is the negation of the concept of nationhood and what enshrined in our Constitution. So, I am not standing on any false prestige. On behalf of our Government, on behalf of the entire people of this country, I bow my head in shame that such thing took place.

 I can only conclude by saying that all of us should ask forgiveness of those who have suffered in this tragedy.

So lets try to decipher what he actually said. Initially, He says

“I have no hesitation in apologizing”

Is PM Manmohan Singh asking forgiveness on personal capacity or as PM of the country? In any case, he was not the one who led or motivated the Sikh riots. It was then congress PM Rajiv Gandhi who gave moral ground by saying "When a giant tree falls, the earth below shakes" and It was congress top leaders Jagdish Tytler, Dharam Das Shastri, Sajjan Kumar who practically led the riots from front.

So it is Congress leadership and not Manmohan Singh who should have apologized. Nothing in the statement indicates remorse on part of Congress leadership. Actually, if anything actually Manmohan Singh defends congress in later part of the speech. He says

The Report is before us, and one thing it conclusively states is that there is no evidence, whatsoever, against the top leadership of the Congress Party. That lie, which has over the last 21 years been used to poison the minds of the Sikh youth, stands nailed conclusively.

It really takes a stretch of imagination to say Jagdish Tytler & Sajjan Kumar were not among top leadership of congress. As if this is not enough he actually calls Jagdish Tytler one of perpetuators of crime who was named by Nanwati commission - "a valued colleague”

One of my colleagues, a valued colleague, has  tendered his resignation.

Then PM continues to say

On behalf of our Government, on behalf of the entire people of this country, I bow my head in shame that such thing took place.

No sane person will justify loss of innocent life. Be it congress or BJP and when such a thing happens we all should hang our head in shame “that such thing took place”

Even in case of Gujarat riot, Then PM Vajpayee tallest leader of BJP himself expressed anguish that ‘such a thing happened’. He had said

On the Gujarat riots, the Prime Minister said he condemned them from day one. However, he had said that the riots could not be seen in isolation from the Godhra train massacre.

"When I saw the relief camps in Ahmedabad , I had not realised the gravity of the manner in which Hindus had been burnt alive in Godhra. I first thought this was just another riot, but I realised just what had sparked it off. I do not justify what happened in Gujarat, (but) what happened in Godhra was wrong. What happened post-Godhra was also wrong,"

Finally PM concludes by saying

I can only conclude by saying that all of us should ask forgiveness of those who have suffered in this tragedy.

No Mr. PM please don’t make common citizens of India who stood shoulder to shoulder with Sikhs brothers partner in congress crime. We were protecting Sikhs when mobs led by congress leaders were hounding them.

Following is text of his actual speech

Manmohan Singhs so called Apology

IE manufactures nonexistent Sangh ‘divisions’ on the issue of endosulfan

IE in its article Sangh Parivar stands divided on ‘swadeshi’ endosulfan reports

contrary to the party’s official view that it should be banned — the Swadeshi Jagran Manch has now opposed the countrywide ban on endosulfan.

IE also reports that Swadeshi Jagran Manch wrote that

“In the past, it was observed that lot of foreign funds were being used for imposing ban on manufacturing and use of endosulfan, where the motives are different and against the interests of the Indian farmers,”

Media Watch checked with Sri Gurumurthy co-convenor of the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch and we were informed that SJM is of the view that Endosulfan should be banned. Following is the letter which was written to PM

IE also quotes recommendation of a committee appointed by Gujarat Government. Media Watch fails to understand how can recommendation of a committee be taken as difference of views within Sangh Parivar? Is IE saying that BJP government should have influenced the committee to give a report which rhymes with BJP’s views?

ToI launched ‘Gandhi Gen-Five’ way back in 2009

ToI officially launched Gandhi Gen five from Priyanka - Rehan (7) and Maira (5) during the auspicious occasion of “"canvassing for mamaji" . The new offering from Gandhi family was escorted by an old loyal former pradhan of Chandosi gram sabha Kanhaiya. Even though nation has no doubts about capabilities of any new product from Gandhi Family, ToI quoted Mr. Singh (who also helped Launch Gandhi Gen 4) on their capabilities with an old Awadhi saying,

"Kathi ki bili bhi gungunati hai (even a cat in the house of a katha singer knows how to hum)."

He didnot clarify if it only hums or whether it catches mice also? We guess being Katha Singers cat brings its own benefits.

He also added how Gandhi Gen 5 needs no tutoring

"the two took to meeting people like fish takes to water". . "Gandhi parivar ke bachcho ko bhala kya samjhane ki zaroorat hai (where's the need to train a Gandhi kid),"

Of course, who would disagree. Its all ingrained and preprogrammed into the special genes some may say pedigree. The villagers narrate stories of how one of them used to fly rockets even when he was 10 years old. I am sure it might be an exaggeration but as in case of Katha Singers cat who knows? 

Then ToI explains a days in Little Rehans life. How like a consummate politician, he hit it off with elders by bending down and touching their feet….. of course without any prompting(at least visible) and then parting with a crisp one-liner:

"Rahul mama ko zaroor vote dijiye (please vote for Uncle Rahul)." 

ToI goes on to explain how Rehan wlaked in Dalit dominated area, stopped by an ailing old man and asked, "How are you uncle?" before repeating the all-important message. The children even walked into huts to meet and chat up veiled women who were reluctant to come out in presence of village seniors.

ToI quoted Mummy Priyanka that  they

even provided her with valuable feedback on problems like power cuts facing the constituency

We are not sure if Gandhi Gen 5 asked the million dollar questions “Mummy why do we have power cut even after 60 years of our families glorious rule”

Its a proud day for the nation. The awestruck audience at Amethi watched with their mouths wide open. The Media gathered for witnessing the special occasion has gone hyper with Joy. Its rumored that some of the anchors/ were seen weeping with joy, some even fainted at first sight of Gen 5. There is no truth in usual opposition canard that the degree of fainting/weeping was directly proportional to advertisement revenue from Government of India.

We only hope “Maira” changes her name when traveling to Kerala!! I can only imagine the face of Anthony trying to call the girl by her name………

 

Saga of another apology.. This time its to Rahul Gandhi!

For the unaware, this entire issue started with former Supreme Court judge Justice Iyer writing a sharply worded letter to Rahul Gandhi on April 9, criticizing him for the policies of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre. Iyer said that Rahul Gandhi may become a good government later on in his life, but right now he is not a good leader.

“He has nothing to say new to this country. He is not a socialist by conviction. He has no ideology at all. Such a person when he goes in the villages, people out of curiosity to see this man come and see,”

As expected the retort to the letter was quick and swift.

On April 17th, most of Media houses carried news of Rahuls ‘sharply worded’ letter to Justice Iyer. In letter, he allegedly claimed

``like most right thinking Indian people'', he was working quietly on that problem as he had ``absolutely no interest'' in becoming a hero.

What most of Media Houses and Rahuls PR team did not anticipate was angry reaction to the PR spin that “Rahul is working quietly to solve the rot in the system”. ToI article I am working to improve a rotten system: Rahul Gandhi attracted 1928 comments and still counting. Almost all the comments were highly critical of Rahul Gandhi(refer Screenshot). Some of comments were

Is this a joke? Your party and family ruled the country for the past 50 years and you were part of govt in the past 6 years. Did you forget 2G happened under your nose. Hero? You should be in Jail.

I think TOI should take a copy of all these comments posted on this article and send that to Congress Party headquarters. If there is one single sensible person left in the party which has completely forgotten its responsibilities and has become the most immoral, unethical & corrupt party of the country, they should know the opinions of the countrymen about their party, their leaders and their policies. If a little sense of self-esteem still exists in them, they should immediately dissolve their party, vacate the PM chair and withdraw from the Indian politics...

Having failed in plan A, now it seems Media and Rahuls PR team has rolledout Plan B. Most of Media houses are now reporting that “Justice Iyer apologizes to Rahul Gandhi”

ToI in its article Justice Iyer apologizes to Rahul Gandhi writes

Former Supreme Court judge VR Krishna Iyer, who had launched a scathing attack on Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi, on Monday sent an apology letter to him.\

Almost identical news was carried by Rediff, Midday etc

All this Hype makes one wonder what was this apology. Following is the text of so called apology

"Forgive me if I have been bitter in my letter to you. I am too old (97) and critical of parties CPM and Congress for governmental delinquencies," 

PErhaps we are missing something., Media Watch even after best efforts cannot even a scent of apology in the above. BUt we can clearly see sarcasm. It is amazing how a sarcastic comment from Justice Iyer is twisted out of context and made to look like an apology!

This reminds us of the of the blackmoney issues in which  Media Passed off rebuke by LK Advani to Sonia as Apology

Statement of Niira Radia to CBI

ANI please get your facts right and stop insulting our Intelligence!

This entry into Media Hall of SHAME is about a shocking half baked and ill-informed report in Indian Express.

Indian Express in its report Kottyam locals bar women from temple seems to be arguing for “Temple rules should be same”!

The reports starts with

Kottayam Local oppose entry of entry of women into mahalakshi Temple. Expressing displeasure over permission granted to women in Maharashtra to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the Sri Mahalakshmi temple, residents of Kerala's Kottayam town said such the practice is a violation of traditional customs.

Author is at wits end to understand why would a reporter of ANI travel all the way to Kottayam district of kerala to get a reaction on permission granted to women in Maharashtra to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the Sri Mahalakshmi temple! It seems that the reporter is talking about Sabarimala Temple in Kerala but it is located in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala.

Then the reporter asks the view of a person whom they described as “local”. According to the Suresh, the local who surprisingly speaks in Tamil!

'I think women should not be allowed inside the Sabarimala temple. I mean, from age 10 till 50, they should not be allowed. I am not saying that women should be completely prohibited in the temple. The temple has certain rules and regulations. One should follow that,' said Suresh, a local.

Media Watch think the reporter needs a crash course on India as to the best of Authors knowledge local language in Kottayam is Malayalam!

Then ANI interviews “another Local” who also speaks in Tamil

Shockingly, some locals maintained that permitting women to pray inside the shrines would make them 'impure'.
'When women come to the temple, the purity of the temple would be lost. So, to maintain the tradition of the temple, only women are not permitted inside it,' said Nirmal Kumar, a local.

If you watch the video carefully the person is not saying “permitting women to pray inside the shrines would make them 'impure'” he is very clearly indicating that when women during menstruation should not be allowed in temple. It is a well accepted and followed tradiution in Kerala that Women during menstruation donot enter temple or take part in any religious function.

Then Reporter goes on to make an outrageous claim that

several temples in India traditionally Ban or restrict women or lower caste people dalits. For years now several now several activists have been protesting against perceived gender bias practiced in many Hindu separate Hindu establishments across India stressing on urgent need of reforms to make religious sites more inclusive for devotees 

It is shocking that a National newspaper like Indian Express would carry a news article with such glaring mistakes (not sure if its intentional)

1. Sabarimala Temple is not in Kottayam but in Pathanamthitta district  of Kerala.

2. Majority of keralites speak Malayalam. One could have understood local speaking tamil in districts of Palakkad or Tiruvandapuram as it borders TamilNadu. But Kottayam is Kerala Heartland! One would hardly find a local there who can speak Tamil such fluently!

3. In the second interview it seems interviewer has deliberately misreported what interviewee was saying! One could not help reporting it as deliberate mischief!

4. Lastly, One can understand and appreciate Interviewesr zeal to have more “inclusive” temples. Perhaps it would come as a shock to her that there are temples and functions in Kerala where Men are not allowed. One such function is Attukal Pongala. More than three million women gather during this ceremony to offer pongala to Attukal Amma the Hindu goddess making it the largest gathering of women on earth and no men are allowed here!

5. Also, one would have appreciated if Reporter has not generalised by saying “several temples in India traditionally Ban or restrict women or lower caste people Dalits”. It is more of an exception than norm! 

 

 

Indian Express plays with headlines quotes Modi govt raped women!

This entry to Media Hall of Shame is shameful play with headlines by IE.

The main news on IE Webpage reads (see screenshots)

'Modi govt grabbed tribals' land in Narmada, raped women'

Any casual reader would be interpret headline as ‘Modi Govt raped women’

However, once you click on the link, the headline reads (see screenshots)

Modi govt committing excesses on tribals, alleges Medha

Which is totally different from the headlines in first page of IE Website.

The Mischief becomes more glaring when  you read thru what Medha had actually said about rape of tribals. She said

"Some displaced tribal women of SSP had been raped but there was no place where they can get their complaint registered in Gujarat,"

It is very clear that unlike what IE wants its readers to believe, she is not blaming Modi Government of rape. She is just stating a fact that some of displaced women were raped and there were no proper redressal mechanism.

How Editors are managed

By KEWAL VARMA
Editors can be broadly divided into two categories: those with substantial circulations spread over large areas of the country; and those with regional circulations. The latter, naturally, have smaller circulations, though there are exceptions (the best example being the Ananda Bazar Patrika). However, both kinds of editors have trouble with two sets of people: the Government and the managements. The views of Government and owners are not necessarily the same, but on one point most owners of publications seem to agree: that their editors should not take criticism of Government too far. And they agree on this because most owners are vulnerable: having business interests apart from news papers, they are aware that if Government wants to, it can create significant barriers between them and their profits from other factories.
No one would deny the owner of a newspaper group the right to choose his editors, but at what point does this begin to hurt the fundamental duty of the Press, and how does one prevent an owner from crossing this point? No one, equally, can deny the right of a management to remove an editor but is there any recourse for an editor if he is removed on unethical grounds? The editor’s job may look glamorous, and indeed it has its rewards, but it is also one of the least protected jobs in the publishing industry. (Would it be more honest if all owners simply became the editors of their publications too? These tensions often find their worst expression when an editor has to leave. The best and most enlightened of managements have often behaved atrociously with departing editors. We think that- this subject should be discussed frankly, without prejudice to anyone, with honesty. And for this reason we have decided to name names. We would welcome it if the managements named here would reply: we will publish their rep
lies equally prominently. We would be happy if SUNDAY became a vehicle for a public debate on this important, crucial, issue.

 

The Great Media Slide

This is a cut and paste from the blog by Dasu Krishnamoorty at sulekha . The original blog can be read here

There is not an area of public life that has not claimed front-page space in the national media for excellence in corruption. Doctors, engineers, judges, sportsmen, legislators, civil servants, lowly employees of the government, industrialists, businessmen, film makers, vice chancellors of universities, everyone of these categories is making its humble and devoted contribution to the corruption industry. We compete successfully with countries in Africa and our own neighbors, according to Transparency International's reports. It is entirely a different matter that there is corruption in this international certification also. But there is one sector of public interest that does not figure in this gallery of greats. That is, the media. In their modesty, they shun publicity.

Lets sanitize all the national symbol

It seems Anna’s movement for Jan Lok Pal has hit a rough patch. Several secular and liberal sections of the society has started to raise their voice against Annas movement. One of primary reasons often cited by Secular Civil Society is Annas usage of “Non Secular” Symbols.

Harsh Mander in his article Why I didn't go to Jantar Mantar writes

And yet why could I not actively join the demonstration at Jantar Mantar? First, the symbols and allies that the campaign chose disturbed me: the stage was decorated with a picture of Bharat Mata, almost identical to that propagated by the right-wing RSS

It seems that consistent pressure from secular civil society is getting its desired results. According to Deccan Herald, New symbol for Hazare’s movement

Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement will have a new symbol in the future with 'Tiranga' at the centre.

The tricolour will replace the Bharat Mata image that was in the background set-up of the stage erected at Jantar Mantar on which Hazare was lying on a fast-unto-death for the Jan Lokpal Bill.

In view of all the above, Media Watch calls upon Congress Party and PM Singh to constitute a commission consisting of secular civil society to sanitize all the national symbol and ensure that they are secular and has approval of the secular class. 

Our sources indicated that civil society is seriously considering to recommend chicken as India's national bird. The senior activists has taken strong exception to India continuing to use"Peacock" as national Symbol. The secular brigade is of the opinion that Peacock is too closely associated with Hindu Religion. Its considered vehicle of Lord Murugan and even Lord Krishna's Crown always has a peacock's feather. Due to this Peacock, donot comply to the strict standards adopted by the civil society on matters pertaining to secularism. Chicken is considered a far "secular" bird considering almost all the religions eat it without reservation. Some pockets of reservation from vegetarian  can be ignored as they are too few in Numbers afterall you cannot please all with such decisions. The senior activists are also of the opinion that National Symbols should be a reflection of national psyche and Peacock, the current national bird is considered too aggressive to symbolize India. India's official response to various issue's ranging from the 26/11 to uprising in in Tibet - can best be described as chicken hearted.

Another national symbol which is up for review is Bharath Mata  as current picture of Bharath Mata resembles the picture being used by RSS. Our sources indicate that Civil society is of the view that current Bharath Mata should be replaced by the one drawn by M. F Hussain. Civil society intents to kill two birds with one stone, This will further reinforce civil societies support for M F Hussain and it also be a blow to RSS who has always opposed M F Hussains depiction of Bharath Mata. There is also a suggestion to rename Bharath Mata as Indian Mom which is a more neutral language.

It is rumored that even national emblem will be reviewed because it has lotus in it!

Civil Society leaders has taken a strict stand on this issue .They have threatened to launch a indefinite candle light vigil if their demands are not accepted

Know your Media Personalities

Journalist	Media House	Related Politician/Sr. Officer	Relation	Organisation
Neha Seth	IBN	Jitin Prasada's (Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas)	Wife	Congress
Sonia Singh	NDTV	RPN Singh (first time MP)	Wife	Congress
Seema Chisthi	Indian Express	Sitaram Yechury (CPI(M)’s senior member of Politburo and Parliamentary Group Leader)	Wife	CPM
Sagarika Ghose	IBN	Bhaskar Ghose, Director General	Daughter	Doordarshan
Karan Thapar	ITV	General Pran Nath Thapar COAS during 1962 war	Son	Army
Radhika Roy	NDTV	Brinda Karat	Sister	CPM
Anuradha Prasad	News24	Rajeev Shukla	Wife	Congress
Anuradha Prasad	News24	Ravi Shankar Prasad	Sister	BJP
Chandan Mitra	Daily Pioneer	-	-	BJP RS MP
Shobhana Bhartia	Chairperson and Editorial Director of the Hindustan Times group	-	-	Congress RS MP
Vinod Sharma	Hindustan Times	-	-	Member of National Minority Commission
Shahid Siddiqui	Nai Duniya			Congress, SFI, SP, RLD http://goo.gl/TAeLX
H.K. Dua	Editor of the Hindustan Times, Editor-in-Chief of the Indian Express,Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune Publications and Editorial Advisor of The Times of India Good Read: Editorial changes in The Times of India raise disturbing questions. http://goo.gl/0NvPb			RS MP
Arun Shourie	Indian Express			BJP RS MP

Please leave a comment if you have more information

Does criticizing PM for not voting make you a “true politician”?

PM of India, Worlds largest democracy is expected to lead by example. According to Election Commission of India

India is the largest democracy in the world. The right to vote and more importantly the exercise of franchise by the eligible citizens is at the heart of every democracy. We, the people, through his exercise of our right to vote have the ultimate power to shape the destiny of country by electing our representatives who run the Government and take decisions for the growth, development and benefit of all the citizens.

It is shameful and sad that PM Manmohan Singh failed to exercise his franchise setting a bad precedent. This is not the first time that the prime minister skipped voting in Assam. Singh’s absence in the polling station had first come under media-glare during the polling for the state Assembly elections in 2006, just two years after he had taken over as the prime minister.

Media Watch is amused by congress explanation that PM Manmohan Singh did not vote because he was busy serving country. For busy people like PM Manmohan Singh, we have postal ballots to cast vote under Clause 20 (4) of The Representation of The People Act. This clause has a postal provision for special category people like the President and PM, as in case of officials on poll-duty or security personnel.

According to K Balaji, the returning officer of Kamrup (Metro) district said no application was received from  Dr Manmohan Singh seeking postal ballots

“There was no request from the PM within the stipulated time, so there’s no question of his exercising postal ballot,”

Considering the fact that PM Manmohan Singh has not been elected to LokSabha, It is interesting to note how Manmohan Singh ended up reprsenting Assam! Manmohan Singh has been representing Assam in the Upper House since October 1991. Former chief minister Hiteswar Saikia made him his ‘tenant’ and had him registered as a voter overnight to facilitate his nomination. Dr Manmohan Singh  has been dutifully paying a nominal rent to Saikia’s widow Hemoprova Saikia for a duplex at Nandan Nagar in Guwahati’s Sarumataria area. Not an Ideal example to quote to younger generation!!

Now back to our original point. All these facts were known to most of people who follow politics closely. But PM not casting vote largely went unnoticed thanks to underreporting my Media! Also, it seems to protect PM from the embarrassment rumors were floated that he voted using postal option

It took BJP Leader and Gujarat CM to bring focus back to this important issue.

And Media Watch is pained the way NDTV is trying to portray this as another political stunt! On the front page they have picture of Narendra Modi with a caption “Spoken like a true politician”. Does NDTV mean to say anyone who raises such issues make them a politician?

Also on the video page, the caption reads

Never a man to miss a political opportunity, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has taken a dig at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for not voting in the Assam election.

This is one issue which Media should have takenup forcefully. Media Watch believes that Indian media failed in that front. After failing their own duty, the best the could have done is to support people who are making this an issue but it seems Media is trying to trivialize even that. SHAME! 

ToI could have used a proper picture of 'athirathram'

Media Watch is not surprised at general lack of Media coverage of 4,000-year-old ritual of 'athirathram' is being performed in Kerala. Improper depiction of actual event is even worse! Please take a look at the picture accompanying ‘athirathram’ news published by ToI! Below is the actual picture of the Athirathram

More Photo of Athirathram can be viewed Here

Media Watch

Is TOI using Morphed pictures of celebrities?

From the looks of it  ToI has used morphed picture of Vidya Balan?

Now its seems this is not the first time ToI has done this. Another blogger DIG TV has reported Times of India caught red handed publishing morphed photo of Kareena Kapoor

DGTV Reports as under

On 9th May 2009, TOI had published Kareena Kapoor's Morphed Photo. Look at her face.

Now, have a look at the original photo of Jeniffer Lopez

Today, I tried to search this photo again with the search title "Draped Desires" but could not find it, which means TOI has removed the photo from its archives.

Question to TOI : What was its purpose to stoop down so low ?

Ms Ruby, NDTV 24X7’s Letter to Yogesh Sheetal, protestor at India Gate

Yogesh Sheetal has published letter Mr Pradhan has received from Ruby Dhingra

Media Watch’s take on the letter

1. It is still not clear if this is an official letter from NDTV or a personal letter from Ruby as its not issued on NDTV letter head(Assuming this is actual scanned copy)

2. We are also surprised Ms. Ruby decided to directly communicate instead of  communicating thru lawyers which is usual practice in such cases

3. We are are also surprised to realise that Ruby inspite of being assaulted (allegedly) has not yet filed a police complaint yet. Neither there is any indication of her visiting a doctor.

4. Media Watch is glad that NDTV has recognized Yogeshs right to protest. 

5. Media Watch is confused what Ms Ruby would like to achieve from this letter. She has not requested any action from IIMC. Neither has she demanded an apology from Yogesh. 

6. Lastly, it is important to understand that NDTV has not yet reported this incident as a news.

Media Watch believes that this is a personal letter from Ms Ruby to Mr Pradhan (Professor of Yogesh). The objective of this letter is merely to inform.

Based on above understanding we have now changed our headline

Narration of sequence of events by IIMC student Yogesh Shital who was one of the protestors

Further to our earlier posting on Barkha Dutt, Group Editor, English News reaction to protest at India Gate

Following is the narration of the events by IIMC student Yogesh Shital who was one of the protestors.

TOI: Was this a News or Views?

This news item from ToI is another case in which Headlines of news has no resemblance to what is reported in the Body. In fact, this may be one of those extreme cases in which the entire news is just a figment of Imagination of the Reporter.

The Headline of the news item says Civil society's victory fails to enthuse BJP. But NOT once  (Repeat once) did body of news mentions how the reporter came up with this conclusion?

Barkha Dutt, Group Editor, English News reaction to protest at India Gate

This is continuation to our earlier blog Anger against Indian Media boils over at India Gate. When twitterati asked Barkha about her reaction, following is what she tweeted

Barkha is within her rights to believe that the people who were involved in protest were “Lumpens and rowdies”

Media Watch would like to understand from Barkha Dutt following -

1. In her opinion were all the protestors at India Gate Lumpens and Rowdies or only the people who protested against NDTV were lumpen and rowdies?

2. NDTV in its reports prominently mentioned the protestors also booed and protested against Uma Bharati. And to the best of knowledge of author NDTV did not classify those protestors as lumpen and rowdies. How is this different from the protest against NDTV?

3. If the people involved in this incident were Lumpens and Rowdies. Has NDTV registered a FIR against them

4. According to your tweet “they punched the show producer” which is a very serious allegation. Has NDTV registered a FIR against the people who were involved in this assault?

5. It is well accepted practice that Media reports to nation any incident involving physical attack on its employees. Also, we would like to understand why has NDTV not yet carried this news item? wont it help expose these so called “Lumpens and Rowdies”.

6. We are a bit confused by conflicting claims in two different tweets.

You tweeted to @amishra77 mentions

@amishra77 yes they punched the show producer. Abhorrent behaviour. We shifted camera and resumed show.

This was again reconfirmed in a subsequent tweet

@StealthPwr @primary_red really? The female producer was hit in the face. The men were assaulted. Lumpenism. 

However, your tweet to @sonaliranade says

@sonaliranade at india gate a group of vandals tried to hit one of our show producers. The so called civility of discourse ! Abhorrent 

In your first tweet you have confirmed a physical attack while the second indicates an attempt. Could you please clarify which one is the truth?

Media Watch

Anger against Indian Media boils over at India Gate

This Video shows protestors shouting slogans Barkha Dutt Chor Hai, Barkha Dutt Go Back etc..

This video is a continuation of above video in which protestors are shown shouting slogan Barkha Go Back

This Video shows protestors Booing CNN IBN

Its high time Indian take a deep breath and ponder on where they stand in grand scheme of things

Why is http://indiaagainstcorruption.org/ not working?

We are unable to access http://indiaagainstcorruption.org/ website for reasons unknown. We hope there is no foul play involved.

The website opens at http://www.indiaagainstcorruption.info/

ED wants to question Pondicherry LG, NDTV tells only half the story

NDTV reports Hasan Ali case: Enforcement Directorate wants to question Pondicherry Lieutenant Governor, say sources

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) reportedly wants to question Pondicherry Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Iqbal Singh, in Hasan Ali case.

It is strange that NDTV forgets to mention that Pondicerry LG Dr. Iqbal Singh is a senior congress leader also. Wiki reports Dr. Iqbal Singh has the distinction of holding several significant positions in the Indian National Congress, including Secretary, All India Congress Committee for 12 continuous years and is a permanent member of Congress Working Committee.

Has Band of faithful in media started “Protect Sonia” campaign?

Anna’s movement is gaining momentum, congress is increasingly getting isolated. Now is the time you can expect articles and news in media intended to protect two key stakeholders in the ruling establishment – Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi

ToI article Lokpal Bill: Govt bows to janata mantra as Sonia Gandhi too backs Anna Hazare's crusade makes no attempt to hide their intentions. They report

Three days after Anna Hazare began fasting to demand civil society's participation in drafting the Lokpal Bill — which will provide for a mechanism to check government corruption — a ringing endorsement by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has pushed the government into a corner

So ToI wants us to believe that Sonia Gandhi’s selected (NOT ELECTED) prime minister and government made of her own party members is not listening to her so and she has to push them into corner by endorsing Anna Hazares movement!!

As if this was not enough ToI article yesterday read Sonia Gandhi pleads but Anna Hazare doesn't give up as talks fail. The headline gives an impression that Anna is arrogant in his demand while sonia is “pleading”

NDTV homepage report Thank you Sonia, but please do more, says Anna Hazare and the accompanying picture is also noteworthy. Sonia Gandhi may not have visited Anna Hazare… but then why should she when photoshop can do wonders. We guess Larger size Sonia behind Anna pondering is just coincidental.

Hindustan Times in its article Hazare has Sonia's vote reports

Following calls for her intervention, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday appealed to Anna Hazare to end his fast, demanding a joint committee to draft a strong Lokpal Bill. As support for the anti-corruption crusader grew across the country, Gandhi stepped in and issued a statement, saying she was pained by Hazare's indefinite fast.

What ever Media may want us to believe the fact of the day is Sonia is presiding over a party which has given us Indias most corrupt government in India. and if Sonia Really wanted Annas Hunger Strike would not have reached 4th day

Media Watch

NDTV loves photoshop

Sonia Gandhi may not have visited Anna Hazare… but then why should she when photoshop can do wonders…..

We guess Larger size Sonia behind Anna pondering is just coincidental

NDTV goes Gaga over Afridis statement

NDTV Reports Now Afridi opens his heart, praises Dhoni

"I thought Dhoni led the Indians very shrewdly and performed brilliantly in the final. India is lucky to have a stable captain like him,

Media Watch would like to understand from NDTV which part of body Afridi may have opened while making following comments as it is certain he cannot speak both from heart.

In my opinion, if I have to tell the truth, they (Indians) will never have hearts like Muslims and Pakistanis. I don't think they have the large and clean hearts that Allah has given us. It is a very difficult thing for us to live with them (Indians) or to have long-term relationship with them. Nothing will come out of talks. See how many times in the past 60 years we have had friendship and then how many times things have gone bad

Anna Hazare - The rise of Aam Admi for the Aam Admi

In normal circumstances, we donot write retort to posts published by fellow bloggers. But these are not ordinary times and Media Watch believes that Anna Hazare's Indefinite hunger strike is an issue of national importance.  We think it is important that we counter and nip at bud the negative arguments being raised by fellow bloggers at offstumped and other "national interest" think tanks.

Few weeks back, I ended up in front of the big screen to see this much anticipated animation movie called Rango.  Its about an ordinary chameleon who accidentally winds up in the town of Dirt, a lawless outpost in the Wild West in desperate need of a new sheriff. With a little bit of luck, Rango becomes sheriff and last hope for citizens of dirt. Even though the movie didnot live up to expectations, One of several memorable quotes in the movie was

You see them, Mr Rango? All my friends and neighbors. It’s a hard life here. Very hard. Do you know how they make it through each and everyday? They believe. They believe it’s going to be better. The believe that the water will come. They believe against all odds and evidence that tomorrow will be better than today. [he opens a wooden box which contains Sheriff badges] People have to believe in something. Right now, they believe in you.

Town of Dirt throws their full weight behind Rango in the end restoring sanity in the town.

There are many parallels between the plot of Rango and the current social environment in India. India today is facing an unprecedented situation which is no different from the situation in  Dirt. Corruption is eating into every foundation and fabric of society be it legislators, press, Judiciary or police no one is immune. Perhaps for first time in history of India corruption is not measured in lakhs and crores but in percentage of GDP.(At last count it stood at 4% of India GDP). Public furore over recent scams indicate that as a nation we are starting to realize that eradicating corruption must be one of the priorities. But inspite of heightened awareness one cant help but despair when prime minister of the nation who is expected to lead this fight against corruption tries to justify corruption as a compromise need to be made in coalition government.  

Situation has come to such a head that normal piecemeal measures will not solve this deluge. Rhetoric calling for structural changes or institutions which can produce 100 clean politicians, 1000 bureaucrats etc will also not work. As all of these depends on good intentions of ruling class. How can we rest our hope on a Government which appoints people of questionable characters as Central Vigilance commissioner and as head of GoM formulating proposed anti-corruption bill, effectively handing the house to thieves.

This is also not a fight which can be won by a few good men or women. Instead of breast-beating over the sorry state of affairs, the Aam Admi  must rise in anger and get actively involved in rooting out the corruption. He has to fight and agitate to effect paradigm changes in the system what ever it may be. Its amusing some people raising concern on mode of agitation being used by Anna.  This country was born from satyagrahas of Mahtma Gandhi. We used same methods to fight emergency declared by congress government. This whole canard about "subversion of democracy' due to Anna Hazare's fast is merely a red herring by some armchair theorists who stands to benefit from current states of affairs. An abnormal reaction is required for abnormal situation. Need of hour is our own Jasmine revolution against corruption. one can't make an omelets without breaking eggs. 

Changes in any form and shape is welcome as it will only strengthen the fight & resolve against corruption. Change can be in form a Jan Lokpal bill. Yes you may argue on draft of the proposed Jan lokpal bill but it is still a step forward in right direction. If one had waited for a  perfect bill we would not have even got our constitution considering the fact we have effected 94 amendments to the Constitution of India in last 60 years! The important fact is it atleast demonstrates seriousness of our intentions to fight corruption head-on. In a country which thrives on symbolism, demonstration of intention is sometimes enough to bring positive changes. Change can even be hardening of  public resolve against corruption. History littered with examples when mass agitations have changed the way how society responds to a certain issue.

Unfortunately, for common man to rise he need to believe.... He needs to believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow... He need to believe in a selfless leader who will show them the path. In other words if town of Dirt needed a Rango with sheriff badge, India needs Anna Hazare to believe it. And if one were to follow the chatter in social media or mass outpouring of support we can be certain that Anna has caught the imagination of the mass. India it seems has finally found a savior who would lead them in a do or die battle against corruption

This is not the moment to ponder and reflect. This is moment of action not to be missed at any cost. Citizen of India has to ignore & isolate the asuras who will sow seeds of doubt in your mind. Every Indian has to come forward and immerse themselves to the fight against corruption. If not the future generation will never forgive us

Vande Matram

So once more NDTV why SRK missed the final?

Earlier in the month, NDTV informed us that SRK suffered a hairline toe fracture while shooting, which has stopped him from cheering for the Boys in Blue at Wankhede stadium. 

Wondering why Shah Rukh Khan  and family aren't cheering for Team India, as promised? Here's why! We hear that SRK yesterday suffered a hairline toe fracture while shooting, which has stopped him from cheering for the Boys in Blue at Wankhede stadium.
Shah Rukh, who watched the semi-final with friends Farhan Akhtar, Karan Johar, Hrithik and Suzzanne Roshan at his home 'Mannat', had expressed a desire to catch the final match at the stadium with wife Gauri and kids Suhana and Aryan.
"We will win the final also. Inshallah! The kids want to go and see. So I have to go there and watch the finals," Shah Rukh had declared after India's win over Pakistan.
But alas, his dream remained a dream. Never mind, he can always cheer his heart out in the comfort of his home.

Fair Enough perfectly valid argument.

But then it gets confusing when one sees this picture of SRK celebrating on the streets, waving the Indian flag (upside down). Fracture prevented him to go to wankede stadium but didnt prevent him from celebrating in streets. Possible…….

 

Sagarika need to clarify

Media Watch would like to seek following clarifications from Sagarika Ghosh CNN IBN journalist on following tweet

1. Correct Sequence of colours in Indian Tricolour is Saffron , White and Green – We hope wrong sequence of colour in the tweet was unintentional

2. We noticed the sequence of colours Green and saffron matched with religion of Zaheer & Munaf. We hope this was also coincidental

 

 

ToI takes a disgusting and Cheap Shot at Sangh Parivar!

Times of India takes a cheap Shot at Sangh Parivar by calling Lankan Team Sanga Parivar!!!

Thanks @SKS_Mumbai for lead

@scamsutra has done a great analysis of the news report

Every one covered Cricket in Mohali only NDTV covered Many moods of Rahul in Mohali

The nations attention may be focused on the cricket pitch but NDTV has their attention at right place. In a photo feature they have captured many moods of Rahul Gandhi at Mohali

This is how he looked in Mohali!

Rahul Acknowledging the crowd

Even before the result he was worried about Indias fate!

Also he poses for his fans

And once India Won the Game, how can NDTV let go such a brilliant opportunity to earn some brownie point for Rahul Gandhi. This the screenshot from NDTV page

Media Watch would like to understand from NDTV what was the role of Rahul Gandhi in this win? Was he part of cricket India? is he part of BCCI?

After the online uproar, NDTV changed the screen to

Glad NDTV team knows Whats more important

So was it a slap or a motion of Hand that grazed face or just a push?

This is further to yesterdays shameful incident in which congress agriculture minister YS Vivekananda Reddy slapped TDP MLA.

If yesterdays news reports avoided mentioning congress name in the report. Today, it seems that they are even diluting his shameful act.

Yesterday ToI in its news report YSR's brother slaps MLA during Andhra assembly session reported the incident as

,a visibly angry Vivekananda Reddy got up from his seat, walked to the TDP benches and started arguing with its senior member G Muddukrishnammaaidu. Even as the argument was in progress, TDP MLA Prabhakar, who was in the second row, said something to the minister who promptly slapped him and when he attempted to slap the TDP MLA for the second time, Muddukrishnammanaidu came in between and took the blow on his shoulder.

But now within 24 hours it seems the Indian news cant make up its mind on whether it was a slap or a motion of hand that grazed the face or was it pushing and shoving

ToI in its report Viveka ‘slaps’ TDP MLA for anti-YSR rant narrates the incident as

A furious Vivekananda then aimed a slap at Prabhakar that grazed his face. When he attempted again, Muddukrishnamma intervened because of which the blow aimed at Prabhakar brushed the senior TDP MLA and tore the latter's pocket.

I am not sure which part of town ToI lives, but in my part of town such acts are invariable called slapping!

NDTV even refused to acknowledge that there was a physical contact! In their report  YSR's brother tries to slap MLA narrates the incident as

A minister in Andhra Pradesh - the brother of the former Chief Minister YSR Reddy - tried to hit an MLA today in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly.

Hindustan report YSR's brother manhandles TDP MLAs in Andhra house goes a step further and says minister only pushed the MLA

The angry minister rushed to TDP legislators C Prabhakar and GMK Naidu, snatched the placards, showered abuses and even pushed Prabhakar. 

So according to HT, congress agriculture minister YS Vivekananda only pushed TDP MLAs who promptly retaliated. Then it was other

Media goes all out to protect congress image in Andhra Pradesh

This entry pertains to shocking incident perhaps first time in Independent India when a Congress minister in the AP government slapped an opposition MLA right in the assembly. The incident happened when TDP MLAs raised slogans minutes after the house met, a visibly angry Vivekananda Reddy got up from his seat, walked to the TDP benches and started arguing with its senior member G Muddukrishnammaaidu. Even as the argument was in progress, TDP MLA Prabhakar, who was in the second row, said something to the minister who promptly slapped him and when he attempted to slap the TDP MLA for the second time, Muddukrishnammanaidu came in between and took the blow on his shoulder.

And how do Media report

NDTV reports this as YSR's brother tries to slap MLA. In their entire report, NDTV not once NOT EVEN ONCE mention that Vivekananda Reddy is from congress. Most of time he is either addressed as YSR’s brother or minister in Andhra Pradesh NDTV introduces him as

A minister in Andhra Pradesh - the brother of the former Chief Minister YSR Reddy

ToI also reports the same incident as YSR's brother slaps MLA during Andhra assembly session. Again in the entire report there is no mention that Vivekananda Reddy is from congress. ToI introduces him as

Y S Vivekananda Reddy, the brother of former chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy who is a member of the legislative council and present in the assembly in his capacity as agriculture minister.

Indian Express report YSR's brother slaps MLA for insulting former CM is also in similar line.

Media Watch would like to understand is this new official position that all the people would be mentioned by their relations? Can we expect to see news Sonia Wife of Rajiv Gandhi said or Rahul Gandhi Son of Sonia Gandhi said so and so?

For the unaware Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy is congress handpicked man to counter Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy who has revolted against congress leadership. He is expected to be fielded against Vijayalakshmi wife, YSR’s widow, for the Pulivendula Assembly bypoll.