Journalism is a sacred profession and credibility is its cornerstone. Countless people believe in the word said or written in the media and take it to be gospel truth. Unfortunately, sometimes the journalists fail to check even the basic facts while reporting. Knowingly or unknowingly, they peddle such untruths as if they were gospel truths.
The latest example is the venerable NDTV, which is in many ways the mother of electronic media journalism in India. In Assam, the state government has announced that with effect from January 1, 2021, those with more than two children will not be considered eligible for government jobs. This was enough for NDTV anchor Sonal Mehrottra Kapoor to see red. She went on air and said that the Chief Minister of the state, Sarbananda Sonowal, who has introduced this in the state, himself has six children and has thus broken the two child norm.
But, the fact is that Sarbananda Sonowal is a bachelor. This weightlifter-turned-student leader-turned Chief Minister has not married and therefore has no children. In fact, the reporter could have just checked the government website where the CM's biodata clearly mentions that he is not married. The anchor, who did not do the basic fact check,has ended up with egg on not just her face but also of the NDTV channel, which is known for its anti-BJP stand.
The latest example is the venerable NDTV, which is in many ways the mother of electronic media journalism in India. In Assam, the state government has announced that with effect from January 1, 2021, those with more than two children will not be considered eligible for government jobs. This was enough for NDTV anchor Sonal Mehrottra Kapoor to see red. She went on air and said that the Chief Minister of the state, Sarbananda Sonowal, who has introduced this in the state, himself has six children and has thus broken the two child norm.
But, the fact is that Sarbananda Sonowal is a bachelor. This weightlifter-turned-student leader-turned Chief Minister has not married and therefore has no children. In fact, the reporter could have just checked the government website where the CM's biodata clearly mentions that he is not married. The anchor, who did not do the basic fact check,has ended up with egg on not just her face but also of the NDTV channel, which is known for its anti-BJP stand.