大众传播与新闻学杂志

Critical Analysis of the Level of Subjectivity and Objectivity While Reporting Kashmir Conflict: Comparative Study of Newspapers of Two Provinces of Jammu and Kashmir State

Abstract

Pardeep Singh Bali

In this research paper the level of subjectivity and objectivity adopted by journalists of different newspapers of the two provinces of the Jammu and Kashmir state has been analysed. This research paper emphasized upon the professionalism of the journalists of two provinces while catering to the readers of particular province. In this study it was found that in general reporters of both the provinces of the state are objective in their reporting, but it is also found that in certain cases Kashmir based reporters are subjective in their reporting, for example while covering Kashmir sentiments. They also use hard language against New Delhi, whereas Jammu based reporters are subjective only when it comes to defend Security forces and are also bitterly critical of Pakistan, accusing it as a sponsor of violence in Kashmir (including separatism). This paper found that newspaper of particular province serve to specific readers of their region, i.e. in Hindu majority province of Jammu, newspapers report as per the reading habits of Hindu readers and carries pro-India and anti-freedom reports. While as in Muslim majority province of Kashmir, newspapers carry anti-India and pro-freedom reports. Even senior journalists admitted that newspapers of both the provinces are doing justifiable job by serving what is expected from them.