Media Professionals Perception on Bribe and Corruption

Bribery among journalists could be seen widely in many places but is a comparatively less researched topic. It would be surprising for an average news consumer to know that the sometimes news story he reads in print or views on television might be the product of a bribe or some sort of incentive received by the journalist who covered that news. After all, we read and watch news on the sordid details of corruption in government and society in general through the media with such alarming alacrity, but would almost have never known about corruption in the media they subscribe. Moreover, when one talks about corruption in media, it is about how the media reports on corruption (Transparency international, 2013) or on ‘paid news’ where the aspect of how the media establishments publish news after accepting monetary assistance (Press Council of India, 2010). Instances of bribery are a common feature in press meets and events especially in developing nations including India. Cash, gift vouchers or expensive items are distributed to reporters as well as photographers or videographers along with their press kits, sometimes even openly. Similarly, there are situations where money, land-plots and other rewards are handed over to selected journalists, both by government as well as private establishments for preferential media coverage (Ristow, 2010).