Parliament Security Breach: Media’s obsession with TRPs

Indian media appears to have failed to internalize important lessons from past incidents. On the recent anniversary of the Parliament Attack, national and regional channels engaged in a disturbing competition to broadcast live visuals and feeds of a security breach. While MPs and security forces were grappling with the intensity and seriousness of the situation, attempting to apprehend intruders who breached security and hurled tear gas canisters, the media displayed a shocking disregard for journalistic values and ethics.

Instead of recognizing the gravity of the situation, media outlets seemed more focused on creating a sensational live show, competing for higher TRPs and gaining an upper hand in the race for viewership. The chaotic scenes were broadcasted from various angles, as if the media were oblivious to the potential harm these visuals could cause, not only aiding enemy nations but also providing insights to those who perpetrated the daring act on the Parliament.

This incident is sadly not an isolated one, as history reveals a pattern of irresponsible behavior by the media in matters of national interest. The memory of how media outlets competed during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, broadcasting the entire NSG Commando operation at the Taj Hotel live, comes to mind. This reckless coverage inadvertently aided the handlers from Pakistan in planning and directing the terrorists involved in the attack.

Despite reprimands from parliamentary committees in the past, the media has failed to mend its ways and has repeated the same irresponsible behavior. It is disheartening to observe journalists thrusting microphones at MPs’ faces to capture live reactions even as they grapple with the shock of the incident.

It is high time for the media to prioritize journalistic values over the race for TRPs. Responsible reporting should be grounded in the understanding that the nation’s interests supersede professional ambitions. The media should reflect on its role as a guardian of public interest and realize that the nation’s well-being should always take precedence over ratings and sensationalism.