Accepting video-dependent journalism in the digital age. One must make oneself sharper. If one thinks that only the old is traditional, that alone is authentic journalism – such thinking spells trouble. The person who made these comments is Gautam Bhattacharya. He has been practicing journalism for over 40 years. His movement across print, television, and the digital world is effortless. On Monday evening, he was present at Ei Samay's stall at the Kolkata International Book Fair.
He was a guest on one such talk show that happens daily at 6 PM at Ei Samay's stall. The topic was whether sports journalism is now video-dependent. On this subject, Gautam said, "When we worked in print media, television was expanding, we witnessed this technological change then too. Again, over the past few years, we are seeing digital media spread as well. My opinion on this matter is that the new must be embraced. It must be accepted – this is today's world. One must change oneself accordingly."
What journalists must offer when everyone has already seen the visuals
In conversation, he mentioned that the way the new generation has integrated itself with social media and ChatGPT, journalists must do the work of figuring out how to present news to them without losing appeal. While he was speaking at the stall, a crowd had gathered around to listen to him. He told some wonderful stories in his own style to them. For instance, the recent incident of Rohit Sharma saluting Virat Kohli while sitting on the team bus.
Again, the scene 22 years ago at the Adelaide Test when Steve Waugh personally gifted the ball to Rahul Dravid. The ball with which Dravid had hit the winning boundary, Steve picked it up from the boundary line and gave it to Dravid. Gautam was saying, "I had started that match report with a description of this scene. Because this image wasn't captured on TV cameras.
Also Read | Is winter fading in Bengal? Here’s what the weather department says
Being on the field, I had followed the ball. Now I couldn't have started a match report this way. Because multiple TV cameras would have already spread that image. If people saw this scene's description in the paper the next day, they would say, everyone has already seen this. What's new?"
He added, "This is where journalists need to differentiate themselves. What different thing can I offer – one must always think about that." After listening to such various unknown stories, the audience present at Ei Samay's stall returned home. But this isn't the end. Today, Tuesday, is the last day of the book fair. Ei Samay's stall remains ready today as well. With two more attractive talk shows.
