Date:27/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/27/stories/2006122704431001.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Media sensationalism

This refers to the report "Chidambaram fractures toe in Bangalore incident" (Dec. 25). The unfortunate incident in which the Finance Minister fell off a granite step outside a restaurant to avoid being photographed by the photographer of The Times of India is a clear instance of media trespass. While media freedom is important and suppression of it unfortunate, mediapersons should understand that their being in the media is no licence to go overboard.

M.M. Pillai,
Perumbavoor, Kerala

There is no doubt that the media help in educating the public and expose various issues. But they need to exercise some restraint. What was the need for the photographer to try and click a snap of the Minister when he was on a personal visit, that too when he expressed his unwillingness to be photographed? After the injury came the usual apology. The media hound celebrities, which is highly objectionable. Just because the media are highly powerful, they should not take undue advantage.

V. Pandy,
Tuticorin

When VIPs are on private visits, the paparazzi should let them be. In this particular instance, the press photographer clearly violated the ethics. Though The Times of India has apologised to Mr. Chidambaram, the incident has cast a black mark on the media.

S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli

Such unfortunate incidents take place because of the media's tendency to sensationalise the private lives of celebrities.

P. Sreehari,
Hyderabad

The incident, result of the press photographer's over-enthusiasm, was eminently avoidable. The media organisations should train their reporters and photographers/cameramen to follow some code of conduct. That Mr. Chidambaram's injury will put him out of action for a fortnight is not good news. It is a pity that those who hold high office are not allowed to enjoy even a cup of coffee in private.

S. Venugopalan,
Chennai

Is not the Finance Minister aware that with the help of advanced technology, a person can be photographed even without his knowledge? What was the need for him to dodge the photographer and fracture his toe?

V.K. Sharma,
Hyderabad