iThink | International media creates pressure on local media: Esther Oenga, Kenyan
Channel: Media Studies
Date: 2019-11-26

The Delhi gang rape in 2012 where the local media only got to highlight the case after the International media had actually reported it. And everyone was questioning why has the local media not talked about it.

Esther Oenga, Kenyan
3rd Yr Law Student, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana
Audio interview conducted by Fiona Achieng, Student Ashoka University

Fiona: How would you say the media reports incidence of rape and sexual violence in India? Specifically drawing from what you see in court.

Esther: Very few cases make it to the media, very few cases will actually be highlighted. Unless it’s a public interest litigation, meaning there is a public outcry. That is when it will receive media attention.You know the very first case that comes to mind is the Delhi gang rape in 2012 where the local media only got to highlight the case after the International media had actually reported it. And everyone was questioning why has the local media not talked about it. There is a crime that has been committed, and all the crimes cannot be highlighted by the media. Actually, that is not the job of the media. But when it comes to actually show the rotten society and to actually highlight that these cases are actually taking place, then the media has a responsibility to give a voice to the voiceless.

When proceedings are there in court, very little, very little should actually be said about that otherwise it is an encumbrance to justice. So it is for the larger good of the justice system. They’re not supposed to discuss live matters in court.They are not allowed to basically delve into the details of what really happened. In such a situation they might end up deciding, or the editorial board might just decide not to highlight the case altogether.