Media reporting and ethics have always been in debates and people have different opinion on the issue. Media have been suggested regarding their conduct and even criticized for their irresponsible reporting and approach in some incidents by the government, security agencies and other intellectuals of the society. After the 9/11 attack on America, media was advised by the national security advisor to behave responsibly. On the other hand, there are people who argue that the media has raised a number of issues of social interest and they should not be interfered. In this paper, we would select a current event, examine it and analyze what people say and what is the truth about media, its conduct and moral principles.
Occupy Wall Street
In the ongoing occupy Wall Street thousands of people are protesting against the government policies, social and economical inequalities, influence of corporate sector over government and their say in the policy making. The recent financial crisis of America has left many youth jobless and even a worse recession is being predicted in the coming years. People are demanding a change in policies and the number of protestors is increasing in the New York City. Protestors are using slogans we are 99 % and the rationale of this slogan according to them, is that only one percent of American population possesses the wealth of America and they run the country as per their interests. These one percent people influence the federal government and the policies are made as per their wishes. Protestors are saying that ninety nine percent Americans are facing problems due to the ongoing situation created by these influence people.
Protestors grumble that the media is not co-operating their protests and deliberately trying to malign their movement under influence of some powerful people. They only televise and print the reports that portray a negative image of these protests and thus convey a wrong massage in the society. John Seager, a fresh graduate and a protestor says “Media reports that a woman opened her clothes and became naked while protesting at the Wall Street, why do not they debate over the ongoing situation of America and the people who are responsible for it, is this what is the duty of media, are not they trying to take undue advantage of their rights”.
The protestors are not clear about how would they achieve, what they want but their motive is genuine and their voice should be heard. Now this is the responsibility of the media to portray a true picture of the story and not present merely one aspect of it. Media should avoid favoring anybody for their own vested interests.
Conclusion
The media is considered an important part of any democratic country and representing the truth and to aware the people are the most important responsibilities of media. In the given example of occupy Wall Street protests, media should peep into its played role and analyze whether it is fulfilling its responsibilities or not. The role of media is not merely to criticize but is also to appreciate when someone is doing a right job. The people who are protesting at wall street are confused as what they want and how would they achieve their desired results but they have raised an issue and it should at least requires a debate on it. Media should create an environment within the country against all the problems and support all the good causes.
Work Cited
"Felix Salmon A slice of lime in the soda." 31 October 2011. reuters. 11 November 2011
