Editors’ Guild Urges Restraint While Reporting Communal Tensions

In his message at the conclusion of the three-day 34th general session of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi, Madani asked Muslims to remain vigilant against being targeted by "internal and external enemies" of the country (Representational Image)

The Editors’ Guild of India (EGI) on Tuesday urged media houses to exercise utmost restraint while reporting incidents of communal disturbances in different parts of the country and not become pawns in the larger game of polarisation.

In a statement in New Delhi, the EGI said it was dismayed to note that due diligence has been found wanting in the evaluation and presentation of reports of clashes between communities.

This is especially evident in electronic, digital and social media, the EGI said.

The statement comes against the backdrop of incidents of communal tensions in different parts of the country, including in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Delhi.

It cautioned against rushing to conclusions, and assigning responsibility to one or the other community, without a full appreciation of the facts, context and calculations at work, as it could have lasting implications.

The patronage of politicians, police, officials and non-state actors is well documented. It is, therefore, incumbent for editors to bring their experience and perspective to the newsroom in these surcharged times, the EGI said.

“The EGI believes it is necessary for every journalist to make the extra effort to maintain fairness, neutrality and balance, and not allow themselves to become pawns in the larger game of polarisation,” the statement said.