Don’t rush to conclusions when reporting communal disturbances: Editors Guild of India asks media outlets

The Editors Guild of India today asked media outlets of the country to exercise utmost restraint while reporting incidents of communal disturbances and not become pawns in the larger game of polarization.

The Editors Guild said in a statement that it was dismayed to note that due diligence has been found wanting in the evaluation and presentation of reports of the clashes between communities.

This is especially evident in electronic, digital and social media, it said, our New Delhi correspondent reports.

The statement comes against the backdrop of incidents of communal tension in several parts of the country including in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Delhi.

The Editors Guild of India cautioned against rushing to conclusions, and assigning responsibility to one or the other community, without a full appreciation of the facts, context and calculations at work as it could have lasting implications.

"The patronage of politicians, police, officials and non-state actors is well documented. It is, therefore, incumbent for editors to bring their experience and perspective to the newsroom in these surcharged times," the Editors Guild said.