It is not 40 hours since series of terrorists attacks in Mumbai, it is one of the most horrible things I have seen in my life. My heart goes out to all those effected, policeman who gave their life and people still struggling stuck surrounded by terrorists. Great work by Indian soldiers, Good luck.

One disappointing thing that has emerged is irresponsibility of media. Role of media is to provide information to the public but in a proper way and taking care of that they are not divulging important information. I am watching TV channels – NDTV, IBN-CNN, India TV, Sahara Samay, Star News and many other and have realized that none of them are  doing their job properly. In this unfortunate event they are trying to sensationalize the information and acting irresponsibly.

First mistake they are making is providing sensitive information such as movement of NSG and Police forces to public. I am sure, this information is not useful to public at this time. At this time, people need to find out where their relatives are, who is injured, which hospitals are people taken to, what blood type is needed and where. These are much more important information if provided to public it would be helpful.  Yes, people need to know what area are safe, what is the progress but giving step by step information is not useful. There are rumors (and probably true) that the same information is retrieved by terrorists and can be used against the brave souls who are trying to protect our lives.

Incidents like Sahara Samay showing (in real time) commandos climbing a specific stair to get into windows is completely rubbish. They could have jeopardized the complete operation. Similar situation happened when CNN (US) correspondent asked their counterpart from CNN-IBN, isn’t showing these videos on air not proper, can this information be used by terrorists? The CNN-IBN correspondent did not reply to that question.

Second issue, camera person showing injured people and not many people to help around. Why is the need to show it to the world and specially when you could help those people. You could save someone’s life by helping them. Instead they were continuously showing, these people need help. A message is enough after that its an overkill, trying to blow incident out of proportion. When you are at case, help people. You are humans first!

Third issue, this was an interview of someone who have been saved out of Taj. It’s not even minutes that the lady has come out of such horrible situation and our reporter is asking silly questions. At one point of time it was evident that the reported was pushing the limits so that lady starts crying. So much for TRPs, those people have been under tremendous pressure for last 24 hours, they need peace and rest, they need a doctor or psychologist, not some insensitive reporter blurting out questions whose answers are known to everyone.

Fourth issue, their was a lot of improper information. It is the responsibility of media to provide proper information and make sure it does not create panic in public. If necessary some discretion can be maintained and information provided at later stages. I understand it was a chaotic situation, but still relevant information is must. Over a period of 8 hours, there was news flash more than 10 times that ‘Taj is free of terrorists’. I am still not sure it is free or not, just because I don’t trust you guys anymore. Then we have some people from India TV who claims to have talked to terrorists and are aware of demand, and they even have audio stream of that. Here we have two points to take care of, government should be contacted at first place and its up to government that they want to make it public or not (definitely it would never be made public). Second thing, if it is false information, then you should never be allowed to be part of media again. You guys are shame on your profession and does not deserve to be here. Remember, aim of terrorists is to terrorize people, to make things unstable and you are helping them by acting irresponsibly.

Fifth issue, don’t be insensitive. I heard some reported using the word – ‘interesting’. I had no words after that. People are dying and our reporters can use words like these. This is not over, there were many cases of similar usage.

Sixth issue, why is media going to places where it should not go. For instance, I saw some reporters inside the Taj lobby showing the logo and what importance it has for people. Yes, we understand its heritage but that news can wait for some time. Why going in and risking your life and others to things which can be delayed, still that place has few terrorists and anything can go wrong. If you don’t care about your life, its ok but don’t create problems for others. (I will say, it is responsibility of government too to take care of incidents like these, a complete cordoning of area should be done with no one allowed till it is completely safe).

Last issue is about social media, twitter played an important role in information dissemination and we just not only got information but images (from people like Vinu). But, there were a lot of rumors too. I think, like bloggers, twitter users should be responsible too. I am not questioning anyone intentions but make sure information is correct and we are not leaking some important information, we are not sure who all are monitoring things.

One last thing, I understand everyone does not have the same impact of the news but please don’t make those things public. I saw a question on twitter stream (not directed to me) – You are not from Mumbai, then why are you concerned[from one Indian]. I won’t give answer to this question, I understand that readers of this blog feel the pain in same way as I do.

Godspeed soldiers!

(Blog title taken from one of the tweet replies)

PS: In my view every media person should watch the movie ‘Mad City‘, its tagline says it all – One man will make a mistake. The other will make it a spectacle.