Knock, Knock

Aarya Raina

This morning, I noticed Dad comfortably sipping a hot cup of chai. Yet, there was a subtle unease about him. Just as I was about to ask, a thud echoed on the veranda. A smile crept across his face. The Hindu had been delivered.

*Knock, knock.* I opened the door, but there was no one there. The newspaper lay on the ground, almost as if it was asking me a question.

Why, I wondered, would someone as tech-savvy as Dad still choose a newspaper when the news is available at the click of a button?

Print journalism came when gossip, regal ‘farmans’, chaupal talks were in vogue. Gossip, grapevine and chopal talks were supposed to be made irrelevant by print journalism but till this date, the old ways, except the ‘farmans’ persist.

Turn on any TV news channel, and you’re met with aggressive, uncouth “experts” shouting over each other. This cacophony leaves no one wiser. Trials are conducted in studios before a complaint is even filed. Allegations fly without consequences, and sensationalism reigns. On YouTube, anyone with a phone can pose as a journalist, spouting whatever gets the most clicks. It is an ATM of sorts with non existing minimal effective checks and balances.

Print journalism, however, evolved slowly, allowing time to set standards. Under the watchful eye of an editor, facts were vetted, and the truth was upheld. Press is more often committed to the practice of independent covering of the world.

In traditional newsprint, information is organised into sections. This makes a clear distinction between content based on fact and opinion. While in other forms of media, these distinctions often break down.

In depth reporting and thoroughness is emphasised in long form media which leads to carefully curated content. Algorithms often prioritise engagement metrics over content quality due space constraints.

Today, the constant streaming of tragic images has led to numbness and dehumanisation of many a people.The ongoing situation in Gaza is a prime example. In contrast, print journalism encourages empathy. It leaves space for thought, for reflection on the goodness of humanity.

Print journalism is like sugar in milk, savoured as sipped as opposed to digital era, where come one storm you fall into another. You only have the luxury of choosing one.

Needless to say there is yellow journalism too. It has political pulls and pushes, gas lighting and sensationalism. What differentiates it from the rest is the relative lack of clones.

At the core of journalism lies the truth and social conscience. While digital platforms may spread gossip and rumor, print journalism generally remains centered around core values.

The knock on my door this morning was a reminder of the choice my dad made. The delivery of The Hindu substantiated his (and mine) belief in the enduring relevance of print journalism.