CHAPTER 4
DATA AND ANALYSIS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter outlines the findings of the Content analysis of the “Selected
Newspaper” i.e. The Hindu and The Times of India. The content analysis is presented
in the tables and graphs and analysis of each table are given below.
The chapter also gives the details collected from the Qualitative data analysis
of the Selected Newspaper
4.2 DATA ANALYSIS – CONTENT ANALYSIS
A total of 660 news articles were analysed from the Selected Newspaper from
January 1st 2010 to 31st December 2010. The findings of the analysis are as follows:
Data and Analysis
16
Results 4.2 (1): Table and Graph showing the distribution of Total number of
news articles published on Commonwealth Games 2010 in the Selected
Newspaper in the year 2010
Newspapers
Classification
Positive Negative Neutral Others Total
The Hindu 63 41 90 19 213
The Times of
India
133 149 131 34 447
The total number news articles on Commonwealth Games 2010
published in The Hindu and The Times of India in 2010
660
H
on
w
re
w
ar
The T
Hindu newsp
n Commonw
The H
were positive
elated comm
The T
which there
rticles on the
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
Table and c
paper and Th
wealth Game
Hindu newsp
e, 41 articles
mentaries, op
Times of Ind
were 133 p
e Commonw
The Hindu
chart 4.2(1)
he Times of
es 2010 from
paper contrib
s were negat
inions and o
dia on the o
positive, 149
wealth Game
depicts tha
f India contr
m January 1st
buted 213 n
tive, 90 artic
observation o
other hand c
9 negative
es 2010.
The Times o
at The Selec
ributed all to
t 2010 to De
news articles
cles were ne
on the Comm
contributed
articles, 131
f India
Data a
cted Newsp
ogether 660
cember 31st
s out of wh
eutral and 1
monwealth G
447 news a
1 neutral an
and Analys
1
aper i.e. Th
news article
2010.
hich 63 artic
9 articles ha
Games 2010.
articles out o
nd 34 relate
Others
Neutral
Negative
Positive
is
17
he
es
le
ad
.
of
ed
R
n
2
2
The T
of I
Till Sep
23rd
Septem
2010 o
Grand
ar
w
re
Results 4.2 (
umber of n
010 till 23rd
010 in Time
Times
India
ptember
d 2010
mber 24th
onwards
d Total 1
The T
rticles publi
were publishe
eports 48 we
(T
2)and 4.2.(
news article
d Septembe
es of India
Positive
48 (10.74%
85 (19.02%
133(29.76%
Table and ch
shed by The
ed from 1st
ere positive,
Times of In
ill Septemb
(2)(a): Com
es on Comm
er 2010 and
C
Nega
%) 66 (14.
%) 83 (18.
%) 149 (33
hart 4.2(2)
e Times of I
January 201
66 negative
ndia
ber 23)
Positi
Negat
Neutr
Other
mparative T
monwealth G
d from Sept
Classificat
ative
.77%) 19
.57%) 112
3.34%) 1
and 4.2.(2)(
India the ana
10 till Septe
, 19 remaine
ive
tive
ral
rs
able and G
Games pub
tember 24th
tion
Neutral
9 (4.25%)
2 (25.05%)
131 (29.3)
(a) depicts t
alysis reveal
ember 23rd 2
ed neutral an
Tim
(After
Data a
Graph show
lished from
h 2010 to D
Others
25 (5.59%
9 (2.01%
34 (7.6%
that out of
led that 158
2010. Amon
nd 25 others.
mes of India
r September
and Analys
1
wing the tot
m January 1
ecember 31
To
s
%) 158(3
%) 289(6
%) 447(1
the total 44
news article
ng these new
a
r 24)
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Others
is
18
al
1st
1st
otal
5.35%)
4.65%)
100%)
47
es
ws
Data and Analysis
19
Out of 447 articles published by The Times of India 289 were published from
24th September 2010, out of which 85 news reports were positive, 83 negative, 112
neutral reports and 9 others.
Hence in this comparison we observe that there is a radical shift in The Times
of India’s reporting attitude of the Commonwealth Games 2010 in comparison of the
reports from January 1st 2010 till September 23rd 2010 with the reports from 24th
September 2010 to 31st December 2010. The percentage of positive articles on
Commonwealth Games 2010 has increased by 8.28%, while the negative reports have
come down by -3.8 %, the neutral or event related report has surged by 20.8 % others
has reduce by -3.58 %.
R
n
2
2
The H
Till Sep
23rd 20
Septem
24th 20
onward
Grand
by
Results 4.2 (
umber of n
010 till 23rd
010 in The H
Hindu
ptember
010
mber
010
ds
d Total
The T
y The Hindu
(Ti
3) and 4.2(
news article
d Septembe
Hindu
Positive
8(3.76%)
55(25.82%)
63(29.58%)
Table and cha
u study show
The Hindu
ll Septembe
(3)(a): Com
es on Comm
er 2010 and
C
Nega
12 (5.6
) 29(13.6
) 41(19.
art 4.2 (3) an
ws that that 4
u
er 23)
Positive
Negativ
Neutra
Others
mparative T
monwealth G
d from Sept
Classificat
ative
63%) 1
62%) 73
.25%) 90
nd 4.2(3)(a)
41 news arti
e
ve
l
Table and G
Games pub
tember 24th
tion
Neutral
7(7.98%)
3(34.27%)
0(42.25%)
out of the to
icles were pu
T
(After
Data a
Graph show
lished from
h 2010 to D
Others
4(1.88%
15(7.04
19(8.92
otal 213 artic
ublished fro
The Hindu
r September
and Analys
2
wing the tota
m January 1
ecember 31
To
s
%) 41(19
4) 172(8
2) 213(1
cles publishe
om 1st Januar
r 24)
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Others
is
20
al
1st
1st
otal
.25%)
0.75%)
100%)
ed
ry
Data and Analysis
21
2010 till September 23rd 2010. Among these news reports 8 were positive, 12
negative, 17 remained neutral and 4others.
Out of 213 articles published by The Hindu 172 news articles were published
from 24th September 2010, out of which 55 news reports were positive, 29 negative,
73 neutral reports and 15 others.
Hence in this comparison we can also observe that there is a radical shift in
The Hindu has also changed its stance in reporting of the Commonwealth Games
2010 in comparison of the reports from January 1st 2010 till September 23rd 2010 with
the reports from 24th September 2010 to 31st December 2010. The percentage of
positive articles on Commonwealth Games 2010 has increased by 22.06%, while the
negative reports have increased by 7.99%, the neutral or event related report has
surged up by 26.29 % others has increased by 5.16 %.
4.3 SUMMARY OF CONTENT ANLAYSIS
According to the Table and Chart 4.2(1) the Selected Newspaper have in total
contributed 660 news articles on Commonwealth Games 2010, from January
1st 2010 to December 31st 2010.
The Hindu newspaper has contributed 213 news articles out of which 63
articles were positive, 41 articles were negative, 90 articles were neutral and 19
articles had related commentaries, opinions and observation on the Commonwealth
Games 2010.
The Times of India on the other hand contributed 447 news articles out of
which 133 were positive, 149 negative news stories, 131 articles that stand neutral and
34 other on the Commonwealth Games 2010.
According to the Table and Chart 4.2 (2), 4.2 (2) (a), shows that The Times of
India has published 158 news articles from January 1st 2010 till September 23rd 2010.
Among these articles or news stories 66 were negative, 48 positive and 19 neutral
articles and 25 others. This meant that The Times of India had laid more emphasis on
negative news stories surrounding around the Commonwealth Games 2010. However
Data and Analysis
22
after September 24th 2010 till December 31st 2010, the newspaper carried in total 298
news article out of which 85 were positive, 83 negative news stories, 112 neutral and
9 others.
Similarly The Hindu according to Table and Chart 4.2(3), 4.2 (3) (a), it carried
altogether 41 news articles from January 1st 2010 till September 23rd 2010, 12 news
stories were negative, 8 positive and 17 neutral articles. However after September 24th
2010 till December 31st 2010, the newspaper reported 172 news articles out of which
55 were positive, 29 were negative news stories, 73 neutral and 15 others.
In a comparison study of the Table and Chart of the Selected Newspaper till
September 23rd 2010 and from September 24th 2010, we can observe sweeping
changes in the story content of the articles in the Selected Newspaper on
Commonwealth Games 2010. While the number of positive articles from in relevance
with Commonwealth Games 2010 are on the rise, the negative articles are either small
in number or at equivalence with the positive articles.
Therefore on the basis of the comparison of these data in the above table we
can conclude that the Selected Newspaper have radically changed their priorities of
content in the report. The news reports of the “Selected Newspaper” from 24th
September 2010 instead of exposing the negativity started to publish positive or
supporting article to the Commonwealth Games 2010 and also gave publicity to the
event by reporting neutral events on the Commonwealth Games.
Since we can detect a favorable opinion generating in the Selected Newspaper
on the Commonwealth Games after September 23rd 2010, we can also conclude that
Selected Newspaper almost radically changed their opinion on Commonwealth
Games 2010.
Data and Analysis
23
4.4 QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
4.4.1 Indian Nationalism
A good number of International players quit Commonwealth Games 2010, but
the fact was that they were forced to quit due to the improper arrangement. However
the Government of India did not admit its failure to deliver the Games on time,
instead it tried to use the “isolation by the foreign players” to gather reactionary
nationalism and sympathy.
The government realizing substantial amount has to be spent to rectify the improper
arrangements behind the games, they also owe an explanation to the people for
squandering national wealth. So the Government appealed to the emotions and
allegiance of the people towards their Nation, the people were made to feel the burden
of non completion of the games related work. The completion of games was equaled
with safeguarding the national honor and identity that would collapse if the games
related work remained incomplete. The Hindu dated 24 September 2010 quoted Lt.
Governor of Delhi Tejendra Khanna statement as follows:
Every effort was being made to reach the “expected standards,” and that the
visiting sportspersons would be “welcomed in the best tradition of Indian hospitality.
In the above statement the “every effort to reach the expected standard” and
“best tradition of Indian hospitality” can be interpreted as the Government of India’s
intentions to flow surplus amount for Commonwealth Games 2010 irrespective of
consequence.
In fact the notoriety earned by the Commonwealth Games 2010
provided the Government of India an unwarranted excuse to liberalize
the free fund flow to the event. The act of the government did sound
credible since now the government had justified the success of the
games as a matter of national interest. Hence a statement of patriotism
by the national political leaders alongside the completion of Games
made everything look meager and expendable for this cause, The
President of Congress Sonia Gandhi said
Data and Analysis
24
This is the time for all of us to come together and ensure their (Games)
success. The success of the Games is that of our country - not of any
party or of an individual. The Prime Minister has himself intervened
decisively. The prestige of the nation is involved;” she added "Let us
not forget this even as we take steps to ensure accountability. I trust
that as soon as the Games are over, the Government of India of India
will look into the allegations of malpractice and spare no one found to
be involved in them. (http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_commonwealt
h-games-sonia-gandhi-says-those-guilty-will-not-be-spared_1425561)
Though the delay in the Commonwealth Games 2010 preparation was reported
by the Comptroller and Auditor General in July 2009 along with a recommendation to
the Government of India to fasten the process. The Government of India clearly failed
to meet the deadlines of the Commonwealth Games 2010, so instead of succumbing to
the criticism of the opposition, the government pretended to be unaware of the entire
mismanagement in the Commonwealth Games, they only assured that they will take
the Commonwealth Games committee to task as soon as possible for causing national
embarrassment. Sports Minister M S Gill addressed to the opposition in the Lok
Sabha.
We are ready to consider any kind of inquiry after October 15. Our
Government of India of will continue to be there after October 15. Let
the focus at present be on the sportspersons when the games are not far
off. (http://www.dailypioneer.com/275237/Ready-for-any-inquiry-into-
CWG- Gill.html)
But facts remains to stand that by not initiating any action against the reports
nor adhering to the criticism of the opposition back then, The Government of India
has abetted an an act of an alleged crime by not probing into the working of the
Organizing Committee; instead licensing it further to continue its activity unabatedly.
The Government of India could have using legal mechanism relived the
existing Organizing committee from its duties and order a probe against them;
Data and Analysis
25
meanwhile they could have installed a temporary ad-hoc committee to see to it that
the preparation for the Commonwealth Games 2010 went on.
The Central government did not do that, on the contrary it deliberately formed
an “ghost committee” drawing public offices such as Prime Minster of India, Home
Minister, Chief minister of Delhi, Sports minister of India and Urban Development
minister to look directly into the matters of Commonwealth Games 2010. While these
public offices were diverted from their actual purpose of function, these offices
consistently tried to use their authority to resurrect the mess around Commonwealth
Games 2010. The members of this Ghost committee were deliberately not given any
formal recognition, so that they are not pulled into the post Commonwealth Games
2010 probe.
The ghost committee since it had only a proxy role; it was not regarded
accountable towards the Commonwealth Games 2010. Therefore while the instituted
Justice Shunglu Committee will look upon irregularities and unchallenged spending
towards the games, it may be less possible for it to demand same accountability from
Ghost committee or with the Government of India.
Apart from the additional loan extended to the organizing committee of
Commonwealth Games 2010, the loss incurred by the last minute transactions by
other government bodies’ remains and its economic viability goes unquestioned. The
private vendors and the associates tried to monetize the closing deadlines of the
Commonwealth Games 2010, by giving less scope for price negotiation, while there
was serious lapse in the quality of service offered. As a result while some tenders
were honored at a high price, others were undemocratically called off and awarded to
favorites. In an example The Times of India on 23 August 2010 the Commonwealth
Games 2010 quoted Commonwealth Games official saying:
Keeping in view the standard and quality of meals being maintained
and served by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation.
Under the contract, the IRCTC would provide breakfast and meals to
athletes, officials and VVIPs at two venues of the games located at
Talkatora and S P Mukherjee stadiums in New Delhi.
Data and Analysis
26
This contract was awarded to the Indian Railway Catering And Tourism Corporation
without any regard to the fact that their eight year license to serve in the Indian
Railway was cancelled by the railway authorities from July 22nd 2010 for frequent
complaint by the passenger customers regarding the hygiene of food and lack of
quality service. However The Hindu, 15 June, 2009 reported Railway minister
Mamatha Banerjee’s statement saying:
From personal experience, I can say that the quality of food that is
served on the Rajdhani has deteriorated a lot. It has to be restored on
all trains along with the restoration of cleanliness.
In the due course while the initial budget allotted to Commonwealth
Games 2010 inflated from 1620 Crore in 2003 to Rs. 60,000 Crore in 2010.The public
officials especially the Prime Minister’s Office, Chief Minister of New Delhi and
other Union ministers who did not want to be directly associated with the
Commonwealth Games 2010, formed a “Ghost Committee” for the Commonwealth
Games 2010. The primary function of the Ghost Committee was to clear all hurdles in
the way of games related projects; this committee was established by reportedly
sidelining the legally established Organizing Committee of the officials. The ghost
committee never existed on any paper or record; however they caused major changes
in the functioning of the Commonwealth Games. Though this body is internationally
affiliated, its powers and functions were curtailed by the Government of India
unlawfully. The act by the government was depicted positively, since the Government
of India depicted it as a selfless to save the country from being humiliated in the
presence of the International delegates. (http://www.tehelk a .com/story_main46. asp?
filename=Ne11091 0The_CWG.asp)
Moreover the entire games had poor participation from the audience expected
to witness the games, apart from the hassles of the security forces the ticket for the
games were either blocked for the VVIP’s by the high ranking officials or the
computer system was defunct, else the standard seating was too expensive for a
common man’s budget.
Data and Analysis
27
However the Organizing Committee officials tried to downplay the poor
moderate response event saying strict security may be the reason for poor response,
they said crowd presence will "definitely improve in coming days."
Data and Analysis
28
4.4.2 The Hindu
While the newspapers took a major lead in covering the mishaps of
Commonwealth Games followed by the uproar in the parliament by the opposition
demanding the enquiry on non completion of work in the games and the matters
related to misappropriation of fund. As the deadline of the Commonwealth Games
2010 drew closer, the newspapers suddenly changed their paradigm by highlighting
only positive news stories of the Commonwealth Games 2010. The newspapers
published those matters that the government wanted the audience both based at India
and abroad to read. This can be observed especially after The Hindu reported in its
online edition and print editorial titled “Crisis-hit Games on the brink” on 22nd and
23rd September 2010 reported:
Several foreign delegates trashed the Games Village as filthy,
unhygienic, and uninhabitable. How much more can the nation are
shamed by a bunch of bungling sports officials, Ministers, and
government agencies
The BBC mentioned in its 23rd September report that following the report of
some nations like New Zealand, Scotland and Canada delaying their arrival to the
games village, immediately The Government of India headed by the Prime Minister
and the Urban development minister convened a crisis meeting with the media, where
it issued a stern message that “the media had exaggerated the problems, and that
preparations were running smoothly
While The Hindu attended the same press conference, it did not quote the
ministers statement, however The Hindu started to fall in line with the government
communication of publicity, while dealing with the event by detailing every story
around Commonwealth Games also sometime publishing speculative conclusions to
increase audience curiosity and interest, to an extent that speculating the various
possibilities during the course of the games, thereby contributing an unneeded piece
of advertisement to the event.
While Buckingham palace reports dating as early as May 30th 2010 in BBC
clearly confirmed that the queen would not be able to attend the Commonwealth
Data and Analysis
29
Games due to her work related engagements and that Prince Charles would read out
the queen’s message.
The Hindu dated 28th September reports on Queen’s role during a
Commonwealth Games 2010 “This was the first time in 44 years - since the Games
were held in Kingston, Jamaica in 1966- that the Queen would not attend the Games.”
Though this allegation was first reported by “Daily mail” it was finally
concluded as unfound discussion and clarification to the matter was provided by the
office of the Prince of Wales on 27th of September 2010.
The Hindu tried to rake up this matter speculative report matter up in a way to
incite the nationalism in its Indian readers. The report suggested as though the Queen
is not attending the Games due to the ongoing confusion over the Commonwealth
Games 2010 and some due to some personal reservation of the Queen.
These news reports published after 23rd of September 2010, carried out the
front page, national, business or sports pages of their publications to shift focus from
covering the actual stories of the Commonwealth Games 2010 of probing the
irregularities and financial mismanagement to coaxing the readers to witness the
“staged “ celebration of the events held at New Delhi. In an example The Hindu had
intently in its news report dated October 4th 2010:
A.R. Rahman had the 60,000-strong crowd at the glitzy Common
Wealth Games opening ceremony up and dancing here on Sunday with
his rendition of the theme song ‘Jiyo Utho Bado Jeeto (Live, Rise,
Ascend, Win),' which had received brickbats when it was first unveiled
in August. The Academy award-winning musician had promised to go
beyond Shakira's soccer anthem ‘Waka Waka' with the composition
and he delivered a powerful performance, backed by a spectacle of
dancers. Amidst a colourful play of fireworks and 500,000 watts of
music, the crowd cheered as the aerostat, which cost a whopping Rs.
40 crore, came alive with vivid imagery. Dressed casually in a white
jacket-and-denims combination, the hit-maker was welcomed by loud
Data and Analysis
30
cheering as he stepped on to the stage to perform the theme song.
Flanked by dancers in red and white, Rahman also performed his
international hit ‘Jai Ho' that won him an Oscar last year. The theme
song, which is based on the motto of the Games, “Come out and play,”
was the grand finale to the cultural extravaganza, which was put
together by some 7,000 artistes.
They used flowery texts such as “spectacle” “vivid imagery” “cultural
extravaganza” in description to the theme song of the Commonwealth Games 2010
and thereby advertising it, in contrast to the fact that the original theme song
reportedly composed by A. R. Rehman at the cost of Rs. 5. 5 crore was rated as an
average or a underperformer not only by the audience and fans of the singer, but also
by the Group of Ministers who were supposed to clear the song as the Commonwealth
Games theme anthem.
India today on August 31, 2010 reported the quote of Sports Minister M.S.
Gill “that many members of the Group of Ministers overseeing the Games
preparations are not happy with the theme song”.
Furthermore The Hindu in the same date issue tried to profile the singer with
words and statements like a “hit-maker” “Oscar winner singer” “loud cheering as he
stepped on to the stage to perform the theme song” “musician had won two coveted
Oscar trophies in 2009” in its report.
While the government tried to divert people’s attention from ongoing pour of
funds towards the completion of Commonwealth Games 2010 by making it sound like
a commitment of the Indian’s to save their national honor internationally. The Hindu
newspapers also started publishing articles that were less relevant to the games and
more spoke of the Indian national integrity at stake.
The Hindu on September 28th 2010 published an article titled “Games: Prince
Charles, Pratibha will have a prominent role” in which it quoted a English daily
tabloid report “Daily Mail” dated September 26th 2010, that suggested reports that
India’s non observance to the traditions of the Commonwealth Games by not allowing
the Queens representative to begin the event.
Data and Analysis
31
Though in the beginning of the article used speculative tabloid reports of who
will read the start off the games, at the end it pacifies the readers with obvious
conclusion by quoting an anonymous sources from the central government that “Let
the Games begin,” is the line Ms. Patil will state signaling the start of the event. The
sources said the 1998 Commonwealth Games was inaugurated by the King of
Malaysia, the country that hosted the event”.
While positive reports of the games from September 23rd 2010, it reserved its
opinion on its negative opinions, apprehensions, remarks and interpretations. In an
example The Hindu dated September 23rd 2010 quoting the words of Delhi chief
Minister Sheila Dikshit:
This is not my Games. This is not your Games. This event is of the whole
country. We should look at it as an opportunity. Please be positive. When so much
preparation is involved, there will be some problems and there are some problems, but
they are not insurmountable. If there is any concern or problem, it would be
addressed.
In what some major new agencies such Reuters used the incident of along
crowds booing in the inaugural address of Suresh Kalmadi as their headline. The
Hindu report “Commonwealth Games off to a colourful start” dated October 4th 2010
published in the last line of the saying “Organizing Committee Chairman Suresh
Kalmadi was booed by a section of the crowd”.
The treatment given to this matter in substantially major issue in an
international event by placing it as the last line of the news story to a extent points out
at the newspaper’s priorities while covering the event and its non neutral inclination
in the coverage of the Commonwealth Games 2010.
Though of mismanagement and delay in the work of Commonwealth Games
2010 was released by the Comptroller & Auditor General of India’s evaluation report
in July 2009. Until August 05 2010, until the opposition alleged large-scale corruption
in Commonwealth Games projects, some demanding probe by a Joint Parliamentary
Committee, The Hindu newspaper did not seems to be much interested in the matter,
since January 1st 2010 to August 5th 2010.
Data and Analysis
32
4.4.3 The Times of India
While the Times of India, since the February 2010, followed closely with the
Commonwealth Games 2010, it mostly provided coverage on the related events and
stories contributing to the event. It neither provided coverage on the criticizing the
short coming of the Commonwealth Games neither it boasted of this mega event.
However very often it exposed its tendency to structure its story from the government
and its agencies point of view.
On 19th of September 2010, though the responsibility of the security detail of
New Delhi during the Commonwealth Games was handed over to the Ministry of
Home affairs, Delhi Police and Lt. Governor of New Delhi, the city witnessed
terrorist firing randomly at the foreign tourists at Jamia Masjid.
Even though on September 2nd 2010, the Home Minister P. Chidambaram
himself clarified regarding the security arrangements at New Delhi
We will do another review immediately after September 15. They
(security agencies) have assured me all security overlays will be
completed by September 15,'' he said while admitting there was delay
in completing the works which resulted in slow progress of securityrelated
tasks in the Games venues and Village. ''Delays are admitted. It
is not because of Delhi Police, but because others have to complete
their work
While the newspaper published the statement directly from the government, it
did not point out at the lapse of the security agencies along with the Ministry of Home
Affairs in failing to protect the Games venue safe. On the contrary The Times of India
tried to tell the story of terrorist attack on New Delhi by linking it with the revenge of
the terrorist for “Batla house encounter” in 2008, it did not critically analyse the
failure of the Home Ministry and other agencies for in assessing the risk posed to the
Commonwealth Games 2010.
On the contrary the security structure with the presence of over a lakh police
and paramilitary personnel at New Delhi not only made the localities confine
Data and Analysis
33
themselves to their home but also restrict their movement. Therefore instead of the
Commonwealth Games providing a relaxed and fun filled environment, the
overwhelming presence of security forces within the premise of New Delhi created
fear and insecure apprehensions among people. It also dampened the spirit of games
its mood of festivities associated with it.
The Times of India however did not question the use of huge number of
suppressive or attack forces by the government against its own city. It did not mention
anything about the plight of the Delhi resident in midst of these security matters, in
fact it used flowery military jargons and abbreviations to make military presence in
New Delhi sound more exiting. The Times of India reported dated August 26th 2010
“The personnel would provide technical assistance related to intraforce
communication, maintenance of jammers, decrypting suspecting
signals besides providing other logistic support. In its report, it
repeatedly used the words such as “Fool-proof” “anti-sabotage teams”
“Special Weapons and Tactics Team” “IAF” “NSG” without even
defining them.
In another example The Times of India published on September 3rd 2010 a
headline for a news report titled “Stay away from the dedicated Commonwealth
Games lanes from Saturday.” Then later it adds “That was the message from top
officers of the Delhi Traffic Police in a meeting at the police headquarters on Friday”
In the above mentioned report the newspaper to a extent tried to imitate or
exert the power and force of the public authority or in another sense The Newspaper
became a proxy tool for the government machinery The newspaper was trying to
directly ordering the readers, while on the second half it clarifies it to be a government
order “that was a message from the police, it shows that the newspaper was not ready
to directly accept the responsibility to the comment it published.
The newspaper did not publish the woes and concerns of the people in New
Delhi against the government streamlining the traffic movement during the
Commonwealth Games, even the newspaper did not publish or reflect the alternative
Data and Analysis
34
approaches that the government could have applied in order to ease the traffic
movement on road.
Though time and again the Government of India dubbed that Commonwealth
Games 2010 was people or common man’s game, it did not have any backing from
the people, nor the people co-operated, the Delhi police being able to collect a sum of
collecting a sum of Rs 22.30 lakh is a glaring example the CWG games did not have a
people’s mandate. Since the government did not take people into confidence nor
approached them seeking for co-operating with the preparation of the games.
(http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/India/Delhi_ Traffic_Police_ Collects_Rs_-
4935.html)
In spite of Suresh Kalmadi accepting his fault as a CWG organizing
committee chief on September 26th 2010, in the same press conference The Times of
India published more on his reluctance to step down as the chief. On several occasion
of citing Kalmadi The Times of India editorialized him with use of words of negative
connotation “took responsibility for the shoddy preparations for the Commonwealth
Games” or “Kalmadi tried to play down.
The Times of India seemed to have taken every word of criticism against
Kalmadi and the organizing committee by the government. In certain cases where
only one sided criticisms were allowed response from Kalmadi was not published,
now at some account it would amount to biased reporting.
While on the other hand, the newspaper held its views in a moderate or
positive, especially in reference to the Prime Minister’s office with the Games. The
Times of India also portrayed the Prime Minister’s office as protagonist authority to
remark critically against the games. In an example The Times of India dated 25TH
September 2010 “PM snubs at Gill at a meeting”.
The newspaper positively articulated speculation that the involvement Prime
Minister was a positive outcome to the games, The Times of India, August 30th
published
“Singhs visit comes as part of the series of steps he has taken to
streamline and expedite the preparations for the October 3-14 mega
Data and Analysis
35
event which have been rocked by a spate of corruption allegations. The
Prime Minister accompanied by sports minister M S Gill and
organizing committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi went around the
stadium and saw for himself the facilities and the work being done.
Singh was there at the sports complex for over 20 minutes. Reporters
were not allowed inside the venue during the PMs Visit.
In the above report, in a glaring disregard for the validity of the information
amounting to reporting “speculation” The Times of India reported PM Manmohan
Singh’s visit inside the stadium took place, but at the end of the quotation it also
remains that the reporter himself was not allowed to enter the stadium during the
occasion.
The newspaper tried to make the absence of some delegates to the news
surrounding CWG and it was equated to a dishonor to the nation. September 18th
2010, The Times of India said:
After athletes, heads of state from Commonwealth countries are
showing little enthusiasm to visit India for the Games' 2010 edition.
Despite only 17 days to go, India has a tentative list of barely eight
heads of state or representatives out of 54 who were expected to attend
the CWG opening ceremony.” it continued “while admitting that
“While comparison with the Olympics may be unfair, it may be
recalled that about 80 leaders, including then US president George W
Bush, attended the Beijing Olympics in 2008 Times of India.
The newspaper near while its speaks of dishonor of Nation, missed out on this
basic fact that the Games was at the first place awarded to India due to its purchasing
capacity or “bribe” asking the CGF to favor their opinion to India. The entire CWG
bidding cost India Indian official a sum of Rs. 89 crore, and a payment to of a sum of
US $100,000 to each of the 72 member country. India also gave a travel grant Rs. 137
crore which even according to the Evaluation Commission of the Commonwealth
Games was more than the minimum CGF requirement for travel. Other benefits
Data and Analysis
36
included accommodation in Delhi; chauffeur driven luxury cars for the duration of the
Games; and a free trip that is not included.
The word “little enthusiasm” here contributes a lot of speculative meaning like
why the dignitaries were not visiting India?
It also shows that Times of India has closely knitted its story structure on
nationalism lines to incite or provoke more interest of its India readership towards the
Common Wealth Games 2010.
In an example of Times of India dated 28th July published endorsing such
nationalism ideologies it quoted Suresh Kalmadi’s take on former sports minister
Mani Shanker Aiyer concerns about the Common Wealth Games 2010.
No individual can spoil the Games. It is totally irresponsible and
ridiculous statement from such a senior person, who has also headed
the sports ministry earlier. No Indian national can speak like that. He
added "With the Commonwealth Games fast approaching, he Mani
Shanker Aiyer should know his responsibilities and think before
making such a statement. He is an elected member of Rajya Sabha and
it is totally an anti-national statement from him.
The same report however did not highlight Mr. Mani Shankers Aiyer’s
concern on of the money spent, nor was he credited for being the first and foremost to
whistle blow the irregularities, which even the opposition did not raise before early
August 2010.
The Times of India, since its existence in the country is both pre and post
Indian Independence, it knows what works with Indians and not, so time and again it
tried to push Government of India and its people with news concerning and not
concerning Commonwealth Games. In one instance Times of India published
Pakistan’s take on the arrangement on Commonwealth Games 2010 on 28th
September that said “Lot needs to be done”.
This is one of the oldest techniques by Indian media to bring in Indo-Pak
sentiment in any common concern; else this was an unnecessary inserting Pakistan
Data and Analysis
37
perspective to the arrangements, as post 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka national cricket
team in Lahore, Pakistan it lost an entire opportunity to host world cup 2011, so it had
little credibility in raising concern towards Indian edition of CWG arrangement.
4.5 SUMMARY OF QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
This section summarizes the findings of the qualitative data analysis and
provides answers to the research objectives that are posed before the study
4.5.1 Did the Government of India initiate a campaign on nationalism to justify
the excessive spending for Commonwealth Games 2010?
In reference to analysis of the statements given by Lt. Governor of Delhi
Tejendra Khanna, Member of Parliament and President of the Indian national
Congress Sonia Gandhi, Union Minister for Sport M. S. Gill, Chief Minister of New
Delhi Shiela Dixit in the Media, we can observe that the representatives of the
Government of India on several occasion have directly tried to create a link between
the need to conduct Commonwealth Games 2010 successfully and its importance in
enhancing the National pride. Hence we can say that the Government of India tried to
use nationalism to justify the excessive spending for the Commonwealth Games 2010.
4.5.2 Did the government suppress Selected Newspaper reporting against the
Commonwealth Games 2010?
According to the analysis of the news reported by the BBC ON September
23rd 2010 in a press conference hosted by The Government of India, the Urban
Development Minister issued a cautionary statement to the Selected Newspaper with
direct reference to their negative coverage on the Commonwealth Games 2010
preparation.
Hence we can say that the Government of India did try to suppress the
Selected Newspaper by issuing deterrent messages to it.
4.5.3 Were the Selected Newspaper influenced by the Government of India’s
nationalism campaign?
Data and Analysis
38
By the analysis of the news articles on the Commonwealth Games 2010 “Jiyo
Utho Bado Jeeto” by The Hindu, 4 October, 2010 and the article “Army personnel to
assist in CWG security from mid-September” by The Times of India 25th August
2010. We can note that the Selected Newspaper have used feature story writing
format to a news report by along with the use of jargons in the reports related to
Commonwealth Games 2010 and thereby have thoroughly exaggerated upon the facts
and the events.
While examining the news article “Commonwealth Games off to a colourful
start” reported on The Hindu dated 4, October. 2010”, it can be examined that the
Selected Newspaper, never reported on any untoward incident during the
Commonwealth Games 2010.
While on the other hand, The Times of India, article dated 28th July. 2010
“Will be happy if Commonwealth Games are spoilt: Aiyar the Selected Newspapers,
the newspapers on one hand allowed the criticism against Commonwealth Games
2010, it also published pseudo national remark by the Government of India and its
affiliate agencies The Times of India dated 29th July 2010 “Kalmadi calls Aiyar's
remark against Games 'anti-national'.
Moreover in reference to The Times of India article dated 28 September, 2010
Lot needs to be done, The newspaper tried to bring Pakistani perspective to the
Commonwealth Games 2010and The Hindu article dated September28, 2010 “Games:
Prince Charles, Pratibha will have a prominent role” that the newspapers were not
only speculating the outcome of the Commonwealth Games 2010 but also tried to
rhetorically evoke a national sentiments among Indian’s by suggesting that anti-India
sentiment persisted in the international arena against India.
Hence we can say that the Selected Newspaper were influenced by the
Nationalism campaign of the Government of India and had aligned as a tool of
propaganda.
4.5.4 Did the Selected Newspaper conduct sufficient background study before
interpreting the news on Commonwealth Games 2010?
In the first place it can be observed that the report on the irregularities on the
Commonwealth Games 2010 was not initiated by the Selected Newspaper, but the
criticism by the opposition at the center demanding as Joint parliamentary session to
Data and Analysis
39
investigate the irregularities of the Commonwealth Games 2010. Inspite of the
assessment on Comptroller and Auditor General of India dated July 2009 “A Report
on Preparedness for the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010” suggesting several
irregularities and delay in implementation of different phases of Commonwealth
Games 2010 by the Government of India.
So the we can say that the Selected Media either deliberately or due to
ignorance did not refer to the background study of facts and figures pertaining to the
Commonwealth Games 2010.
4.5.5 Did the Selected Newspaper refrain from demanding accountability from
the Government of India on Commonwealth Games 2010?
While the Selected Newspapers published government justification to the
games, The Hindu newspaper dated 23 September 2010 “Glitches won't bring down
Games: Sheila Dikshit”. It also hailed and speculated the Government of India’s role
in handling the Commonwealth Games 2010, The Times of India dated 30 August
2010 “PM inspects CWG preparations at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium”.
The Selected Newspapers moreover did not pose any questions to the
Government of India or the 15 other committees directly related to the preparation of
the Commonwealth Games 2010.
The Governments of India’s act were posed positively by the “Selected
Newspapers” that did not questioning the legality of the governments overriding
proxy authority against a legally established body such as the Commonwealth Games
2010 Organising committee, The Times of India, 25 September 2010 reported “CWG
mess: PM steps in; calls Gill, Reddy for meeting”
.
Selected Newspapers did not demand the justification by the Government of
India for offering to host such an event in the first place, given the fact that the bid
offer made by the Government of India was regarded higher than the minimum
standards prescribed by the Commonwealth Games Federation. (Mishra, 2010:1)
On the other hand The Selected Media constantly targeted Suresh Kalmadi,
the chairman of the organising committee of Commonwealth Games 2010 and
Data and Analysis
40
published incredible statements against him, The Times of India dated 26 September,
2010 “Kalmadi accepts responsibility, refuses to step down”. Moreover it also
challenged the preparation and organization fallout of Commonwealth Games 2010
In the articles above the analysis further supports the fact that the Selected
Newspaper have not undertaken proper background research on Commonwealth
Games 2010, while they have also not demanded accountability directly from the
Government of India for the expenditure incurred or otherwise.
4.6. SUMMARY
This chapter analyzes the data collected through the Content Analysis and
Qualitative Data Analysis. The analysis proves the general objective “The Selected
Newspaper were influenced by the nationalism campaign of the Government of India
and thereby did not address broader issues and concerns involved in the
Commonwealth Games 2010.
No comments:
Post a Comment