Friday, January 30, 2009

It's Sheer Blasphemy

While blog hopping (going from one blog to another), I came across a series of blogposts about Chyetanya Kunte's NDTV fiasco. My very first reaction, I really live the life of an ignorant fool, because how else do I explain my not knowing about this for such a long time. Second, third, and all the reactions that follow till I am exhausted are nothing but of shock and disgust. It's been quite sometime that I have been wanting to make a post about my personal opinion about 'The Ms. Barkha Dutta.' However, I think, after finding about CK and NDTV I am left with no words. I infact feel sad about the lady and the channel that flaunts itself raising the 'free speech' flag all the time. But reading about the Chyetanya Kunte's case, I am appalled at NDTV and at Ms. Dutt, more than I ever was.

I think may be, just may be, someone needs to clarify the meanings of 'free speech' and of 'double standards,' to both NDTV and Barkha Dutt. I agree Chyetanya Kunte's post 'Shoddy-Journalism' was not really professional and lacked facts, but it said nothing to evoke the kind of action that was taken by petty NDTV folks and Ms. Dutt. The apology surely stinks of the double standards that both the entities (NDTV & Dutt) reak of and presents the Indian Media in a new light. 

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Both NDTV and Miss Dutt have not realized the true power of blogging. They feel that they should bow down only in front of politicians, and they can get away with their arm-twisting a mere blogger. I mean what can a blogger do! They had clearly overestimated their self-worth and prowess and had an egg on their face. They never expected such a mass protest from all the blogger all over for a tiny little guy like Kunte, they felt these things happen only when you ruffle the feather of a politician. Anyways, hope they have learnt a lesson.

Kaber Vasuki said...

Well. well, another post about this. you guys are martyring that blogger. Either he shouldn't have written that post. Or he should have stuck to his post. Why did he apologize. And Opinions can be expressed, but allegations should need proof

myriadmind said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Runa said...

@Rajtilak - I know, the way bloggers have protested against this act by NDTV and Ms Dutt, should be a lesson that a lot of people with power should learn. I think today, with the net and active participation by youngsters there is more hope for a better future.

@Kaber - You know what, it is very easy to say that Kunte should have stuck to the post and not apologized. But for your information not all of us are as brave as (I am assuming) you are. Sometimes, its enough to just raise an issue, rather than not talking about it at all. Also, Kunte's apology has caused more awareness and voices than his actual post (if you are aware), so I think it served a good purpose.

Kaber Vasuki said...

Wasted - Point, that.

Runa said...

@ Kaber - I am not sure whether you express agreement or disagreement with that :O

Kaber Vasuki said...

Runa - I said that you made a point. I do not agree with it. [quote] Also, Kunte's apology has caused more awareness and voices than his actual post (if you are aware), so I think it served a good purpose.[/quote]

Raised awareness about what? I haven't got the chance to read his original post - but from what I gather, he made several 'allegations' about NDTV, with out proof for any of them. I'd be on your side too if he had expressed an 'opinion' and NDTV wanted him to apologize for what would have been an expression of personal belief. The situation as I see it, is that he cooked up a few stories about NDTV, which the latter found offensive. The only awareness that the apology has caused? That there are bloggers who express more than just opinion, who state their fantasies as facts and who are held martyrs by 'fellow bloggers'. What ever you read online - take it with a pinch of salt. That is the only lesson this episode teaches us.

Runa said...

@Kaber - I agree about the fact about Kunte being unprofessional. However, what I personally feel is how could a corrupt institute like NDTV come up with "back accusations with facts" idea. They do it so often and without any shame or remorse.

I agree also with the fact about "pinch of salt."

About awareness, I think...till Kunte came up with his apology, there were hardly a hand-full of people who knew about the whole episode. It is secondary to me in this battle whether Kunte or NDTV is right or wrong. What is a primary learning is the fact people are reacting against the way media has been selling "stories" rather than news. How there is this unhealthy race amongst news channels to make themselves more raunchy rather than informative...If you do not agree to this point...I really wish you could explain to me about the way headlines reads these days :)SRK & Salman's fall out?????