J's Musings

For decades, being up to date about current affairs has been and remains extremely important. Over time there have been forms of media that have helped us do exactly that. Newspapers first came during the industrial revolution of Europe. The most widely accepted one was started in 1814, known as ‘The Times’. The radical papers were ‘The North Briton’ which was anonymously written. ‘The Manchester Observer’ which reported on multiple campaigns like the Peterloo reform movement of 1819. The Scotsman was founded in 1817 and was considered so radical, it was called “incendiary”. They were banned when found seditious, but were still run in secret. The spread of newspapers to India was prominent during the British Raj. Freedom fighters and revolutionaries such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi. They used the newspapers to spread information about what the British were doing. A few to name were Bande Mataram, New India, Kesari and Sudharak. The advent of technology brought with it new forms of information, such as television channels. These channels focused on playing shows that spoke about the current affairs.

The role of these mediums is to spread both information and awareness about the current affairs of the world. Be it sports, crime entertainment or politics. Newspapers focus on all of this in one thick copy that is sent to subscribed homes daily or weekly. News Channels have multiple shows that focus on one in particular and can be played by anyone on various streaming channels. The purpose of these medias is to spread unbiased and objective reports about what happens in the world. Unfortunately, in today’s day, NEWS isn’t all it is made out to be. Debating on which is better would be a difficult choice as both are needed in their respective ways.

Newspapers have been around for more than a century now, and have created a special space in the lives and hearts of people. Whereas News Channels only came after the Industrial revolution. Soon making a space for themselves. Dominant as they are in the industry, news channels have not connected with the crowd in a manner newspapers have. They are a habit, a crisp paper with a cup of tea or coffee. Sometimes even breakfast. Despite the emotional appeal, News channels are far better at reaching larger audiences than Newspapers. Even the illiterate can keep up with the help of audio and visuals provided in these channels. For those that can afford the luxury, Newspapers promote reading, for everyone. Due to wide range a single newspaper can cover, there is always something to interest everyone. both News Channels and newspapers cover various topics and bits of information. The biggest difference being that newspapers cover these topics in depth, whereas the channels have a more “50 headlines in 50 minutes” attitude. Not to be forgotten that this attitude exists because a spokesperson is present to read out crisp tags that get through messages concisely. The media [visual] and statements that news channels provide can be used to keep the audience engaged.

Both newspapers and news channels are forms of media that are influenced by those in power. Bias and bribery can twist headlines to manipulate public opinion. While that is something that cannot be eliminated from our consumption of media, weighing our options can help. Newspapers are less likely to influence the public opinion, because the headlines can only change wording. Whereas news channels use tone, body language, wording and even visual media to make a point. These statements are not necessarily right or wrong but exist to [hopefully] sway the public. Which has caused newer generations to lack opinions of their own about the world around them. On a less social note, newspapers are considered harmful to the environment. As they use paper in large quantities, paper that comes from tree pulp. They also don’t provide audio and visuals, which can cause them to feel less captivating, and as a result they reach a limited young audience. Despite being more captivating than newspapers, News channels haven’t fostered the same relation with their audience. A large reason for which is the majority of pessimism in their reports.

Both forms of media have their own way of spreading information about current affairs to the public. And both have found a steady niche of audience that religiously follow their reports. Put on a scale, both have equal pros and cons. Although, as times evolve both compete for top spot. Which is not possible, because both are very varying forms of media that cater to largely varying needs. With a little less bias, both forms of media have been and shall continue to aid the public in its need to “stay updated”.

-Janhavi