Introduction
India, with its diverse religious landscape, has seen several instances where media coverage has played a pivotal role in either fueling or calming religious tensions. The way an incident is reported can influence public sentiment, communal harmony, and even law and order. One recent example is the media coverage of the 2023 Nuh violence in Haryana, which saw communal clashes between two religious communities.
The Incident: Nuh Violence, July 2023
On July 31, 2023, violence broke out in Nuh district during a religious procession organized by a Hindu group. Clashes escalated between two communities, leading to arson, deaths, and curfews. The violence quickly spread to neighboring areas, including Gurugram.
How Different Media Outlets Covered the Incident
1. Mainstream Television Channels
- Right-leaning outlets: Channels like Republic TV and Zee News focused on alleged pre-planned attacks by one community. They used provocative language such as “jihadist mob” or “anti-Hindu conspiracy” without concrete evidence initially.
- Impact: These narratives contributed to heightened communal tensions and political polarization.
2. Neutral/Fact-Based Outlets
- NDTV and The Hindu: Provided balanced coverage, highlighting ground-level facts, police investigations, and the voices of victims from both communities.
- Scroll.in and The Wire: Investigated the socio-political context, rising hate speech, and administrative failures leading up to the violence.
3. Regional Media
- Local news channels and newspapers varied in tone. Some played up communal narratives, while others focused on law enforcement and appeals for peace.
Role of Social Media
- Spread of Misinformation: Old videos, unrelated footage, and edited images circulated rapidly on WhatsApp, Twitter (X), and Facebook.
- Hate Speech: Verified and unverified accounts alike shared inflammatory posts, often without context.
- Counter-Narratives: Fact-checking pages like Alt News, BOOM Live, and PIB Fact Check actively debunked viral fake news.
- Influencer Involvement: Influential social media figures either fueled anger or appealed for peace. Their large followings made them key players in shaping perceptions.
Ethical Responsibilities of Journalists
1. Avoiding Sensationalism
- Media should refrain from using emotionally charged language that deepens communal divides.
- Headlines should not assume guilt or intent without verified facts.
2. Fact-Checking and Verification
- Journalists must ensure all images, quotes, and reports are verified before publication, especially during volatile situations.
3. Balance and Context
- Giving equal space to voices from all communities ensures fairness.
- Contextual reporting helps viewers understand underlying socio-political issues rather than seeing only the surface conflict.
Conclusion
The 2023 Nuh violence highlighted how media can either act as a peacekeeper or an amplifier of hate. While some outlets acted responsibly, others prioritized TRPs over ethics, causing damage to communal harmony. Journalists must uphold their responsibility by avoiding biased narratives, actively fact-checking, and prioritizing peace and accuracy over speed or sensationalism. In a multi-religious society like India, media sensitivity is not just ethical—it’s essential.