NDTV.com : Q & A with Sonia Singh

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Updated: February 10, 2010 12:16 IST

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Live from the Newsroom, a blog by Sonia Singh, Senior Managing Editor, NDTV 24x7, is YOUR window to the nitty gritties of editorial nuances and the making of some of the biggest stories of national impact.

The world of news is a dynamic one, changing every second. And every story is a reflection of the society we live in. It’s YOUR viewpoint and that of millions of others like you that helps shape our reaction to everyday life.

If you have a question for Sonia Singh- be it a comment on the blog you just read or a view on a report you watched on our channel or perhaps even a suggestion on a story that we may have missed upon- write in to us and we’ll get you the answers to all your questions, right here.

So let’s begin a dialogue. You ask and she shall answer.

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All Questions | Answered Questions

Devi Sengupta, Haldia, West Bengal: A request, my write up may be a bit lengthy given ur busy schedule, even then please read. I am associated with NVTD since last 20 yrs+ as a viewer and sincerely feel satisfied when ur channel grows in manifold. The bottomline is u can shape the viewers mind with a positive note as well can create a positive movement to change the nation which, we Indians, are awaiting since last 60 years.Please do something so that each & every citizen has the access of information, irrespective of their education, so that they are empowered to be an active part of ur movement of change. Moreso, wht is the point of going for a vote, when majority of candidates are not entitled for the vote and the citizens do not have the right to cast NO poll in the EVM?

Sonia says : Hi Devi - I wish we had a magic wand, but we don`t. I think every institution must focus on doing its job in the best way possible. Disseminating information is the media`s job and we will keep our focus on that.

guna, chennai: Hi,what is the mood of the community of journalists with regard to the Third Front being launched today?how far will it decide the election outcome?

Sonia says : Hi Guna - it is an important political development. We can`t predict how far it will influence the outcome, but it will definitely be a `spoiler` for many political heavyweights.

Shrishti Singh, patna: If in the near future someone talented forms an independent party to contest an election will the news channels esp. your channel come forward to show support.Obviously i am not talking about partiality but dont u think that someone who possesses the calibre needs canvassing by media?

Sonia says : Hi Srishti, yes of course, we will try to cover those who deserve it, but hopefully we aren`t used by them for canvassing. That must be done by candidates on the ground, not the media.

hema thomas, Cochin: Hi Sonia, I dont know if my name rings a bell. (Will have to go back to the CJM and St Stephens days). The NDTV website is part ofmy daily reading. Am more into reading this section than the main news items. Am very passionate aboutthe work that the channel is doing, the Gujarat HIV racket is worth a pat on your backs.(i was disappointed only once; on the 26/11 coverage.).Want to suggest that the channel also look at making programs that will inculcate good values into the citizens of our country. The apathy shown by the middle calss and urban class of our country makes me wonder where we are headed for. the selfishness on the roads(leading to road rage) , the desire to grab anything and everything that is not rightfully theirs, the attitude to evade taxes ( e.g not writing our receipts for payments), using political power to ones benefit etc. There could be a series made addressing the middle & upper class of society where this is a real problem. It could be aired at prime time and be thought provoking and make the viewer really stand up & examine his conscience. Also target school children so that they are able to identify such behaviour in their families and introduce a change.

Sonia says : Hi Hema - yes, of course, I remember you, how are you? It`s a great suggestion, let me see what be can be done.

Peter , DUBAI (UAE): Hi Sonia I am regular viewer of NDTV it would be very nice of your channel to post a breif BIO of all the people standing for election and their achivements it will give the voter to decide whom to vote

Sonia says : Hi Peter, we are actually working on exactly this, hope to have it up soon.

uday almeida, panaji, goa: Hi sonia, I would like to point out about our situation where we have multi party system. Because of this elections are fought not on national issues but on local regional and caste basis. post poll alliances are nothing but horse trading and it is the mockery of peoples votes. how can a government be formed when no party gets clear majority?. just for power and bargaining these small parties black mail the national parties which has to be stopped.My question to you is why shouldnt we opt for two party system. When that happens, policies rather than other factors will become issues and clear majority will help the elected government full power to work on those issues.

Sonia says : Hi Uday - it is a view that is gaining prevalence but will need a change in our current laws and political consensus before this can happen.

Raghunathan N.S., Chennai: Hi Sonia,While I continue to admire the quality of the programs on your Channel, I would like to suggest a special edition for the forthcoming election specials. Can you try and do a program on the various poverty elimination programs/schemes launched by successive goverments atleast in the last 25 years, how much has been the actual percolation to the real beneficiaries, the success/failure rate and the resons thereof?

Sonia says : Hi this is a fantastic idea. Let me see what we can do.

R.Sridhar, Chennai: In the Indian elections, only the the party which secured the majority votes amongst the votes polled are allowed to govern us. Generally 30 to 40% are not voting. This group are the persons who really want good governance in this country. But they seldom vote. Hence, what we require an amendment to the Constitution of India to incorporate an Article to make the voting mandatory for each and every indian which should be on the lines of Australian or French constitutions. What is your view about this?

Sonia says : Hi - it`s a radical idea but I think first we must enforce mandatory rights to food and education.

Siddharth Solanki, Syracuse, New York: I belong to a large group of educated Indians, for whom, it is almost every time impossible to be around hometown ( or permanent residence ) at voting times. And I hate to be not able to cast my vote, and let eccentric goons come to power.... And I somehow feel, that its the likes of the eccentric guys... viz. shiv sena people, who make it a point to not let an Indian cast his vote because he is not Maharashtrian ... Why do I need to sacrifice my career to cast my vote? Why cant I cast my vote online? The same goes with almost all of my friends...

Sonia says : Hi Siddharth - it`s a really valid issue. Will ask our election commission reporter if there are any provisions.

Janaki, Chennai: Hello Sonia,A word of appreciation to the N.D.T.V.team.Your prompt account and initiative in Modasa affair is bringing good results.The timely and well brought out interview of Cho Ramaswamy by Vishnu about the Madras High court incident gave an impartial account.These being rewards for your social responsibilities how would you feel about them?

Sonia says : Hi! Appreciation and more importantly action is the real reward. So, here`s to many more such posts .

Tara Sarungbam, Imphal: Why is there such a dismal lack of coverage on issues related to the North East region. Life at Imphal has been at a complete halt following the abduction and subsequent brutal murder of a Sub divisional officer along with two of his staff posted at Ukhrul. Curfew imposed in Imphal was relaxed only on Feb 21 after two days of indefinite curfew. Granted that NE issues do not bring in TRPs, but news is also about information, right?

Sonia says : Hi I agree. Will ask our NE correspondent why we missed this.

Murlikrishna rao, Mumbai: Though NDTV is a news channel, can we start a group to organise the people for bringing about some semblence of unity to this troubled country which is day by day sinking into cultural backwardness....

Sonia says : Hi I think this will be beyond our brief, though hopefully spreading awareness will help bring people together.

rahul, Fukuoka,Japan: Lok Sabha elections are coming again and so it’s going to be a field day for all criminals, money launderers, and other people who have no business being in the Parliament. The aam admi has scant knowledge about the background of these goons and is often forced to pick a lesser dacoit among the worst. Media, which is more educated about these nitty-gritties, raises lots of concerns when these men/women of versatile talent reach the parliament. Yes, media highlights these things but can it not do more? Isn’t it running away from taking a more pro-active and responsible role? Will NDTV alone or in collaboration with other press groups like the Indian Express, consider endorsing candidates constituency-wise through out country, who should be in parliament? Almost all the newspapers in the US endorse the best suited candidates among the available options across party lines to help voters make educated judgement. Also, it will force parties to pick the right candidates, since election commission looks so handicapped to stop these rogue elements, who have little respect for all.

Sonia says : This is a very tricky area. Remember many newspapers in the US also express clear political leanings. In India traditionally, TV channels and newspapers have stayed away from political affiliations ( except for a few ) and I think endorsing candidates will open up a Pandora`s box.

Dushyant, Iowacity (USA): Hi, I am a regular visitor of your website and channel. I feel Indian media is steeping in American shoes of being partisan.

Sonia says : Hi - Our political coverage is neutral, but there are stories in which we feel it is clear that there is only side we should be on...India`s. The Mangalore pub assault being a prime example of this.

Reena, Delhi: Media is an agent of change. Do you believe extensive media coverage often helps bring justice and at the same time also creates unnecessary hype? Where does one draw the line between coverage and sensationalism?

Sonia says : Hi! It`s a very, very thin line. I think on the whole, extensive media coverage of an issue or event which deserves it is a good thing, it is sometimes the only way the system actually moves.

Rajesh, Calcutta: NDTV should facilitate forming a public opinion whereby the MPs will get paid based on actual working hours. There should also be strictures (eg not allowed to run for elections again) if the actual working hours are less than 90% of a MPs Term. What do you think of this?

Sonia says : Hi! it`s a great idea. Something for us to work on in the next Parliament session. It`s definitely an idea we can present to the Speaker. Thanks !

Pallavi, new york: Why has the Mangalore violence been put on the back burner? Doesn’t the media have a responsibility to ensure that those who were responsible are brought to justice? Or are we slowly getting used to violence in any form, terrorist or otherwise? I hope NDTV is more responsive to the needs of the hour. It will be a national shame if the goons get away with it. I have found it hard to explain that incident to people in America.

Sonia says : Hi, I completely agree with you on the importance of this issue, we have not put it on the backburner, in fact our Group Editor, Barkha Dutt travelled to Bangalore for a special episode of We the People on this and we are now planning a half hour looking at the communalisation of this region, a trend timed not so coincidentally with the upcoming general elections. There is much more to the attack, than just hooliganism, something we hope to explore in the next few weeks.

JOY, Mumbai: As you said, the news bulletin is a mix of a lot of stories evoking different emotions. Please focus on the future. Could we do something India’s future? What is it and whether we are moving in that direction.

Sonia says : Hi - What is India`s future is impossible for any journalist to define, but I agree we have to find a way to focus more on looking ahead and at issues of change .

Janaki, Chennai: Hello Sonia, You would have been watching the Lok Sabha proceedings. The way in which these elected representatives shout and behave, interrupting the passing of bills, thereby wasting tax payers money. Do you think it’s a pitfall of democracy? Should we have it all is there an option out? Can the media do anything about it?

Sonia says : Hi, I think the media by reporting it, again and again, helps bring viewer attention to it and hopefully as the Speaker said we don`t vote for these people again. It is a victory of democracy, that our vote has the power to get rid of MPs who don`t perform. What we need is to spread awareness, so that these people aren`t voted in at all.

Sreenath, Hyderabad: Why is your channel or any other channel not covering the hunger strike by Unit Run Canteen Employees in Delhi from the past 2 days ? They have won the case in Supreme Court and still the Ministry of Defence does not give them what they deserve.

Sonia says : Hi thanks for bringing our notice to it. I will ask our reporters to have a look at it.

Alok Bhatt, New Delhi: Hi Sonia, I have been an avid news watcher till recently; in fact news programs like The World This Week helped shaped my larger worldview....however offlate i can feel a growing disenchantment with the electronic media just because of the kind of sensationalisation one gets to see everywhere.....esp with Hindi News channels. NDTV has largely been an exception to this and it is quite commendable...NDTV India though needs bit of introspection...I am completely against an opinionated news and it is fast becoming a new feature...Mad rush for TRPs and ad-revenue has severely dented the image of media in general...In view of this whatever you guys are doing is simply commendable....Last but not the least, I guess what we need in your field is the expansion of new ideas and platforms....the more you try and connect with people, better it is for you..News based e-journalism needs fresh ideas and connection points as it is nothing but new by the people, for the people and of the people.....Your view please..

Sonia says : I agree completely that the final opinion that matters is that of the viewer. I think it is all right to include opinion in shows which are specifically designed like that, for instance the Big Fight or Verdict, but news bulletins must be delivered in an impartial way. You`re right, technology is going to drive how viewers receive their news, you already get in on your mobile phone...and I think soon you will have a phone functioning as a mini tv screen as well.

MANAS, NEW DELHI: Will NDTV be able to initiate a debate on the subject of regulatory capture by retired and retiring bureaucrats? You name any regulator, you would find each one of them is captured by this community. RBI, UPSC, CIC, CEC, TRAI, IRDA, MRTPC, CERC, SEBI to name some -and we know how these authorities functioned from their inception. We have not learnt from the episode of Harshad Mehta we had Ketan Parikh and now we would not learn from Rajus and we would have another Raju or Kaju in future. The regulators would draw fat salaries besides perks and enjoy government goodies till the time they can cling on to such benefits. We are hurt. Media appears only solution to raise this vital issue.

Sonia says : Hi - this is definitely an interesting issue, but with India having so many scams tumbling out of the closet, we will crack this one as well

Priya Kale, Mumbai: Dear Sonia,Hi. I am a Third Year Economics Student at the St. Xaviers College, Mumai. This is with regards to the recent killing of the Rizvi college student. Shocking as it is, the angle from which it was approached by certain news channels [I have just read the story on the ndtv site but have seen it on two other news channels] is appalling. Blaming it on a consumerist culture & the pressures of todays materialistic generation & leaving it at that is irresponsible & just another way of taking up newsreel. Heres where I think a responsible channel like ndtv comes into picture. Whatever the motive of the crime; money,revenge or anything else, needs to be looked into from a macro perspective. The media needs to examine why is it that our urban educational system is churning out impulsive citizens who have no control over their actions. The lack of counsellors, who can constructively channelise destructive & volatile emotions needs to be brought out. More importantly, it is an opportunity for us as a society to introspect.A cliched but true argument, we place more importance on what a person is rather than who he/she is. We need a qualitative schooling system which focuses on inculcating life skills such as dealing with faliure & other kinds of trauma. Unfortunately, the concept of self actualisation is confined to only textbooks. Parents & teachers need to help children build self worth based on values such as trust & friendship & not merely their report cards. Hopefully, this should help build a healthy conscience, precisely the lack of which has led to the recent spate of teen killings. Indias tragedy is not the millions of illiterate people, but the thousands of literate but non-educated ones.

Sonia says : Hi, I`m really glad to read such a passionate, well thought out e mail. What you suggest could actually be the basis for a news show. We`ll work on this and hopefully come up with something which looks at exactly these points.

Shiv das, Robertsganj (Sonbhadra) in U.P.: Hello Soniaji.I belong a naxal effected area called sonebhadra in U.P. this district has bad status in infrastructure. While it has Hindalco, NTPC, Rihand Hydro Power, Canoria Chemicals, NCl and many stone crusher plants. After that local people face many extorsion as well as exploitation. There are many scams in government programmes. Yet your channel does not broadcast a story related to many poor peaple. Neither it have any perfect correspondent in Sonebhadra. You say we telecast a story having a journalism content. Where is your journalism content in concern of people of Sonebhadra? Mob-09910410365

Sonia says : Hi I think NDTV has really been one of the few news channels which has consistently featured the `real India` in its bulletins as well. For the elections as well, we are starting a special programme called India is Bharat, where we will make sure we access parts of India, that arent often covered in the mainstream. We will try to include Sonebhadra as well.