Some sections of the media are beginning to credit their audiences with less and less intelligence as times goes on. Hungry for sensational news that titillates their audiences a little more each time and scores them more brownie points, journalists and the organizations they work for are moving way off the tracks of truth.
Take for example a recent case, which occurred in Ludhianna, Punjab.
A cameraman working with a local news channel hungry for an ‘exclusive’ coaxed an entire family to attempt suicide. This he explained would attract the district administration's attention to their plight.
Fortunately, the police arrived before the gory scene could be enacted and arrested the cameraman, Vipin who managed to convince Tilak Raj, a local businessman fallen on hard times, to consume poison in front of the SSP's house on Sunday morning.
Some time back, Tilak Raj had fought and lost a property case in a local court.
The defeat came as a big psychological blow to the entire family, which approached Vipin for help. Yet, instead of sound advice, Vipin told them to attempt suicide in front of the SSP's house.
Vipin reached the spot at the appointed time and even sent out SMSes to reporters of other channels. But when the family members got near the SSP's house, a police team arrested all of them and seized the poison from Tilak Raj.