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Book Review:
Analysing local media conscience
Title: Mass Media and Social Consciousness
Author: Chandana Wijekoon
Publisher: S Godage & Sons
Page count: 200
Media is a somewhat feared race in most countries including Sri
Lanka. That is because it has the generic task of disseminating the
truth. While the destiny of a nation is primarily determined by an
Executive or a Parliament, the Constitution and the Judiciary, the media
has been considered as the fourth estate owing to the influence it
wields in society and in determining the destiny of a nation. It has the
capacity to make or break governments, ideologies, religious beliefs and
even personalities.
It is evidently a powerful tool that can influence the minds and
hearts of the masses. It has the capacity to create a fear psychosis
among a peaceful community, or calm the minds of those disturbed and
contribute towards the well being of society. The Japanese media for
example has the capacity to bring down prime ministers and governments.
Media surveys and opinion polls play a no small role in changing the
political environment of countries as it has been in the case of Japan.
 It could expose evils in society or lock up skeletons in a cupboard
and hide things under a carpet both of which could be beneficial or
destructive to the well being of society at large. Such is the potential
of the fourth estate. Basically, media is closely related to social
consciousness and operates within the sphere of social consciousness. It
influences the thinking patterns of society and creates analytical
consciousness among the masses.
However, many are the misconceptions that lurk in our minds about
media. Media has often been criticized for disseminating untruths or
half-truths and for engaging in sensationalism devoid of truth in
pursuit of commercial profitability. It has been found wanting in the
area of morals and ethical conduct. Where do we draw the line between
facts and gossip? How should media behave in a given society to
contribute towards the well being of that society and the world at
large? How should media play its balancing act of utilizing freedom of
expression while ensuring the right to information? How should media
conduct its affairs in fulfilling its generic task of disseminating the
truth?
These are some of the main topics of discussions in this new book
authored by a very senior member of the editorial staff of the Lake
House Group.
Chandana Wijekoon is the son of well-respected leftist, the late K B
Wijekoon and was the former Associate Editor & Night-Editor of the
Dinamina and currently serving on the Training and Research Unit staff
of Lake House Group transmitting his invaluable knowledge and experience
to the younger generation of journalists while engaging in research on
various subjects of importance.
This is his third publication, his earlier books being “The Story of
the Newspapers – an analysis of theory and practical Use (2007)” and
“Sri Lanka Press Council Law and its Objective (1999)”. With over
fourteen years of journalism and eight years of editorial experience
behind him, Chandana has done a marvelous job in exploring the entire
gamut of journalism from the point of view of social consciousness.
The book under review is basically a kind of report of lessons learnt
and recommendation statement, on the behaviour of media in Sri Lanka
over the past years especially during the three decades of the war in
Sri Lanka.
It gently persuades the reader to explore the inner echelons of
journalism right up to the nib of the journalist’s pen and gain a deeper
knowledge and understanding of what goes on in the minds of those who
shape our minds. He examines the behaviour patterns of journalism in
recent times citing appropriate examples as evidence and shows how the
media influences social consciousness.
In the first chapter entitled “Media and Society”, the author
analyzes the multidimensional spheres of mass media such as the social,
cultural, economic and political. The author being a graduate in
political science as well as mass communication has used his knowledge
and analytical skills to discuss the various dimensions of social
consciousness within the sphere of mass media.
In chapter two entitled “The legal aspects of mass media” the author
takes great pains to explain the legal parameters of mass media and
shows that although media personnel command the respect of various
institutions of the country such as the parliament, Courts and other
national events, they are certainly not above the law of the land and
that the fourth estate is just as accountable as any citizen of this
land. This is something now well known among media personnel. Some of
them act extra-arrogant at times and abuse their professional position
in society to gain advantage over others. Some behave as if they have a
‘licence to kill’ when it comes to attacking personalities. When you are
driving on a highway, it is very important to know the speed limits of
the highway as well as the limits of your vehicle performance.
Similarly, it is essential that all media personnel be cognizant of
their legal parameters as they are dealing with people and are in fact
the voice of the people.
This chapter is very informative as it cites the various
constitutional articles and sub clauses dealing with the subject of
legal parameters for media, freedom of expression, fundamental rights
and their limits and deformation laws and parliamentary privileges etc.
Media freedom as defined by the author is certainly not the ‘freedom of
the wild ass’ but a responsible freedom that contributes to the well
being of society and the country. Accordingly, there may be instances
where media freedom may have to be curtailed in the best interest of
society and national interests. These are some of the important values
that need to guide media today.
This chapter certainly has lessons for many a journalist who cares
less for the well being of society and national interests. The author
shows that the Latin maxim “Ignorantia Legis Neminem Excusat” meaning
“ignorance of the law excuses no one” is an internationally accepted
practice and that journalists can never be excused if they overstep
their limits. Special privileges awarded to the fourth estate by society
are meant to facilitate and maximize their effectiveness in conducting
their profession in a professional manner. The author also exposes some
of the controversial aspects of our constitution that has done injustice
to their profession and imposed unjust and unfair speed limits upon free
journalism.
In chapter three entitled “Mass Media and the Code of Ethics”, the
author discusses media ethics under sub-titles such as “Society, media
and ethics” where he discusses the important role played by media in
society. Citing some of the issues that made headlines in the media some
time ago the chapter discusses the important role played by the media in
influencing the opinions of society regarding these issues. Media watch
over various affairs that are of grave concern to the public and the
hawk eyes of the media that stands guard as a deterrent to corruption
and malpractice is seen as essential in promoting the well-being of an
ordered society.
Investigative journalism has come of age and has undoubtedly
contributed to bring about some form of control over unscrupulous
activities in state institutions as well as private enterprises.
However, investigative journalism has its price as such media
organizations could be targeted by the perpetrators of such corruption.
- Trevor Ludowyke
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