The Cinematic Depiction of Media’s Social Responsibility: An Analysis of Journalism Films

Abstract

Journalism has been portrayed on the silver screen many times. Over the years, filmmakers have been attracted by the role of the journalist, and the news industry has been represented in a variety of ways in Indian cinema. This study examines how the concept and theory of ‘social responsibility of the media’ has been depicted in journalism films. In this context, it is imperative to understand that the professional practice of journalism in the past shows that the press has the responsibility to act in the public interest. Whether it is the role of the press in India’s freedom movement or the investigative function of the press in unearthing corruption and crime, the media has social duties and obligations towards society. Journalism and the media are often called the watchdogs of Indian democracy, and hence, it cannot be denied that society has some positive expectations from the media. These expectations go beyond journalism's obvious normative role(s). This paper will examine how the media’s social responsibility has been depicted in cinema. The researcher will do a thematic analysis of journalism films that portray the social responsibility of journalism. Research on popular culture portrayals is important because such portrayals cultivate popular perceptions as well as myths about journalism. Film theory suggests that films are a reflection of real-life (to some extent), and therefore, films play an important role in documenting the contemporary trends in journalism. This study is based on the theory of ‘film analysis’ to understand the relevance of cinematic representations of social responsibility in journalism.