Media Watch




T his column will carry a brief report and analysis of the editorials, carried by major newspapers during the preceding month to understand on what issues the media most commonly commented upon, which were part of national discourse and how human rights or rights perspective reflected in them.
During the month of May, 2018, there were many issues of interest on which most of the major English newspapers commented upon in their editorials. Some of them were having direct bearing on human rights per se while others weren't. With twenty-eight editorials, the Karnataka Assembly Elections remained one of the most commonly commented upon issues and perhaps obviously so because outcome of results directly impacts the policies of the government for the welfare of the people. The comments covered the predictions for elections, floor test and finally, the formation of a coalition government by the JD(S) and Congress. The Millennium Post wrote, "Karnataka election results will set the tone for the 2019 general elections in the country." After the results of the poll, the Indian Express wrote, "The Karnataka result affirms the organizational might of the BJP and the popularity of Prime Minister Modi." Post the floor test announced by the Supreme Court, the Congress and JD(S) formed coalition government at which The Times of India wrote, "The Karnataka polls show regional parties will have a significant impact on the make-up of the next Parliament." The Tribune wrote, "JD(S) the kingmaker awaits."
The sudden hike in fuel prices were the second most commonly comment upon issues. Ten editorials were carried on the topic. The Millenium Post wrote, "The impact of rocketing fuel prices will be felt more immediately as it is likely to push the prices of essential commodities in the short-term." The Hindustan Times wrote, "A surge in oil prices throws India's macroeconomic equation out of balance."
The World Health Organization, WHO Report on the increased air pollution was another most commonly commented upon issues. Five editorials were carried on the topic. The Indian Express wrote, "The global health body's database should serve as a wake -up call for Indian policy makers, whose efforts to curb air pollution have, by and large, centered on big cities."
The disruptions during Namaz in Gurugram were another most commonly commented upon issues. Three editorials were carried on the topic. The Times of India wrote, "State must have uniform norms for religious expressions in public spaces."Deadly flyover collapse in Varanasi, was also carried in three editorials. The Times of India wrote, "The incident exposes serious safety shortfalls."
Apart from this, the editorial comments were a mixed bag of issues commented upon. Some of these were: the Tuticorin massacre, Nipah Virus, Healthcare Regulation, electrification in India, Walmart-Flipkart deal and P.M Modi's visit to Sochi.