This refers to the edit “‘Murdochism and media” (July 19). Politicians – anywhere in the world – are not comfortable with the press. Their good-humoured behaviour with journalists can only be attributed to their fear of negative publicity. Their instinct to control the media, therefore, is only natural. But the bigger question is that what can one expect of a tabloid newspaper when gossip about celebrities is what sells? A private media company will only try to fish such information out — ethically or otherwise. Media houses in their quest to make profit often compromise on the ethics of journalism. But there needs to be a balance between making profit and maintaining ethics. The Murdoch saga has not only exposed the wrongdoings of journalists or politicians but also society that enjoys gossip for news.
Raghu Seshadri, Chennai
Readers should write to:
The Editor, Business Standard,
Nehru House,
4, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg,
New Delhi 110 002,
Fax: (011) 23720201;
letters@bsmail.in