Left or Right?

Objectivity in journalism is a lost concept. The way we see news and even facts have changed drastically over time. In this highly subjective media scenario, party-owned newspapers are the most biased, or heavily biased, to borrow a term from solid-state electronics.

Every news is twisted, tilted, or blown out of proportion. Every grain of truth is slanted, till the whole news shifts to left or right, according to the political party associated with the paper. While it is okay for a newspaper to have a perspective, red or saffron or green tinted glasses are an absolute no-no in journalism.

Every budding journalist starts out with rosy visions of writing the TRUTH, and nothing but the TRUTH. Then the thorns of reality sets in. The difference between theory and praxis in journalism becomes evident very soon, especially if the owner is a political party. You may be forced to write semi-truths, or absolute falsehoods, just because it benefits the party. 

Economics is a reality. You are bound to protect the interests of the man with the purse. But in the case of party-owned newspapers, you are not just protecting the commercial and personal interests of one individual. You are bound to the will of every local committee secretary, or karsevak. That means, there is just about the obituary and sports left, that you can cover freely!

PS: Sanghis and Comrades Excuse!