Yeah, so its been more than 6 months that I am in the media profession. There used to be a time when I was enamoured by the field (mostly that of print...TV seldom interested me) and wanted to pursue a career in journalism. But that time I was a bit juvenile and naive to think that the profession would be a bed of roses. But later on with education, knowledge and a little experience, I discovered some thorns too.
So yes, life of a journalist is not heaven. Yes, you get a kick, u get respect from people but you have to slog and specially in TV the situation is crunch. Television, unlike print, competes for TRPs, eyeball grabbing and sensationalism. So the components (namely the workforce) that go into its realization need to be very efficient and swift, and thus the condition gets strenuous.
There is an unmistakable buzz in a newsroom which translates a situation of utter urgency and a life on the edge. Yes, outdoor reporters have a tougher life. I know a senior reporter of a leading TV channel who complains that she has to take her blackberry even to the shower, lest a phone call comes to her asking to go out and report or to do a live chat or give a phono. Desk work is equally hectic and active. But its localized in the newsroom. Production (online and bulletin) needs skill and thought and quick decision-making abilities. Life as a bulletin producer at News9 was very very tough, specially coz I had just passed out of college. But I personally feel that a promo producer, although needs to be creative and all, has the easiest and coolest working style and conditions ina Tv channel. Having said these, I would also like to mention that the policies and working style differ from channel to channel. So if in India TV the lead prime timer is 'barfili maanav:yeti", in Times now its the latest piracy by the somali buccaneers. So while NDTV takes you to the drought affected corners of vidharba, CNN IBN tells you about the latest train mishap in the country.
And how are the people? Well frustrated, I would say. If you are into the media business, you would know why. Most of them are foul mouthed and have a certain crudeness in them. I have heard my friends in the news channel which harbours the highest TRPs in today's time complain that some of the anchors in the channel are so full of themselves that conversing with them you would feel like as if you are talking to an important delegate or something (no offences). It comes to you. I know it does. There have been instances where I have gotten irritated in a click of a finger and after regaining my composure have realized the magnitude of my undoing. I dont know how strongly can I guard myself from these traps. I remember one of my professors in ACJ warn us that in newsrooms, we would discover startingly curious anatomical and familial terms hitherto unknown to us. I did. And also as P. Sainath said once in a lecture, that if the vidharba farmers really lost their lives by consuming liquor (as held by the government) then there would be no journalists left in this planet. i realized that too, though not in a very intimate way. Then ofcourse there are good people, willing to help you. But the number is less. By the way, I have noticed the abovementioned traits only in TV journalsts. I still have a fuzzy idea about print journalists.
I strongly feel that more than a decision, Journalism is an intention (others would say passion). Even if you are not a journalist, I think everyone should be updated with the latest happenings all around you through the extensive coverage of media today. But those in the profession may enjoy the luxury of keeping his mind shut off events as such in a off day. Be a journalist and you would soon know why.
There are a lot of other things that I would have liked to share in this article, but maybe sometimes later.
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