The lens launched

Speaking on the occasion of launch of the lens.in the panel of prof Apoorvanand, Neerja chowdhary and Siddharth Varadrajan on the topic of “today’s questions and the answers extended by journalism “, they expressed concern over the state of affairs in our society, polity and economy. The question of freedom of expression, its restriction by authoritarian regimes and suppression of media remains a central concern. Even top international publications like bbc or nyt could not stand the pressure on Gaza and are instrumental in extending the genocidal Zionist narrative. The attempt to monopolize information is not limited to media but extends to academia and education as well. Confounding sensibilities by peddling divisive and absurd agendas and blurring out serious existential questions like climate change, AI revolution and rising inequities. The issue of declining public accountability of elected representatives and fall of institutions like judiciary and regulatory bodies has hollowed out our democracy. Media has to face the question not only on its failure to hold them accountable but also for its own corruption, incompetence and Communalisation. The absolute dominance of corporate power suffocating all walks including media is also a very important question. The answer that journalism may offer,they felt, lies in its ability to enthuse its audience to take upon itself the responsibility of maintaining media freedom and the cooperation, coordination and solidarity amongst independent media.