Ahmedabad Plane Crash Media Coverage: Collapse of Sensitivity in Indian Media

Introduction

Ahmedabad plane crash, as tragic as it is, has created panic all across the nation. This devastating incident, as it unfolded, has not only put to the test the aviation authorities, emergency services, but also the fourth pillar of our democracy- “Media”. In times like these, whenever a crisis transpires, the entire nation turns to the media for updates, and it’s upon them only to determine how the nation will receive and process the trauma. In a way newsroom becomes a battlefield and sanctuary at the same time. But while we talk about this particular incident, “Ahmedabad plane crash”, the role of the media is still up for debate. Whether they prioritize ethics over TRP? Were the families of victims handled with dignity? Or, did they chase sensationalism at the cost of empathy?

In this blog, we have tried to analyze the Ahmedabad plane crash media coverage from the lens of both right and wrong, identifying where things were done the right way and where they failed to uphold journalism ethics.

The Race to Break News: Information or Infotainment?

As we all know, the first few hours post any tragedy are very crucial. Every single person concerned while trying to process the incident is at the same time trying to get to the root of the occurrence. It is also crucial in terms of media. These initial hours which the reality is presented, set the tone for public sentiment, shape the narrative, and can also influence the rescue efforts. In case of the Ahmedabad incident, television channels and digital platforms were flooded with stories. All eyes were glued to their televisions, mobile phones, laptops, and tablets for breaking news, tickers, and live coverage from the crash site.

While it sounds like an exhaustive endeavour for different media houses, some disturbing trends were also revealed upon taking a deeper look. It was more like a race for most media houses, for who would air the most sensational headline first. This resulted in a disturbing trend, like several media outlets resorting to speculations without waiting for verified information from aviation authorities or DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). Eyewitness accounts were released to the public without any thorough verification. Grief-stricken relatives were interviewed live without showing empathy towards them. There was little to no regard for privacy as the private details like names, flight details, and even pictures from the crash sites were circulated.

What started as the coverage of reality was turned into infotainment, yes, even a tragedy like that. The saddest part, it’s now becoming the reality of Indian journalism. Realising their role in society and the dignity of their jobs, before covering any news, they should ask themselves- “What’s more important: being first or being right?”

Ethics in Reporting Plane Crashes in India: Where We Stand?

Ethics are the backbone of any operation, in an industry that deals with the depiction of truth; one can never thrive without credibility. Severe the tragedy, higher the stakes. When it comes to responsible reporting vs shallow sensationalism, India has a very dwindling track record. After the incident, the media chasing the ambulance, trying to breach the hospital premises, shoving mics at distraught families, created a spectacle of the insensitivity of the Indian media. They were so fixated on getting the exclusive that they failed to see the line between public interest and private grief.

Is that how they are supposed to behave? To answer this, globally, media ethics guidelines are set by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) or BBC Editorial Standards that clearly emphasize sensitivity, verification, and restraint. Indian media outlets, if acting by the books, have such internal guidelines too. However, in the case of the Ahmedabad plane crash coverage, those guidelines were ignored in the name of ratings. Media outlets may have forgotten, but in India, while reporting a plane crash, it requires certain ethics, such as:

• No broadcasting of graphic visuals

• Wait for the identification of victims until officially confirmed by the authorities

• Not to air any private details or reactions without seeking proper consent from the family members

• Not speculating on causes until official investigation and statements are out

But many channels failed on these counts, putting emotional exploitation above editorial integrity.

Sensationalism vs Sensitivity: The Fine Line Media Crosses

The thin line between sensationalism and sensitivity is subtle but significant. The skill of a journalist depends on how a story is told, not just what is told. Using disturbing visuals, clickbait headlines, and dramatic music while creating a theatre out of very sensitive news fails to gauge the impact on human souls, especially the ones directly related to the victims.

Ahmedabad plan crash media coverage has set the contrasting examples of various facets of media. One of the sensitive media outlets that stuck to the verified updates and expert opinions. On the other hand, sensational media was indulging in voyeuristic drama, stooping so low to the extent to air live body counts, heart-wrenching reactions of families, and visuals of burning aircraft.

This kind of coverage does not even account for the mental state of survivors living in trauma. Media should understand that they are not just reporting stories, they are shaping public memories. Sensitivity in journalism is to acknowledge that victims are also humans, someone’s family, not merely reducing them to body counts.

Positive Exceptions: Some Got It Right

In the rat race of TRPs, views, and virality, some journalists and platforms acted out of integrity. They waited for verified official statements before airing any details. Some reporters also refused to interview the mourning families out of respect, and some also cared to bring aviation experts to explain the dynamics of the plane crash instead of anchoring debates and throwing blame games.

These were some examples that not just prove that ethical journalism is not extinct, but also how it should have been done. This incident offered a moment of introspection for many journalists, reminding them of what they truly stand for.

What Needs to Change? Lessons for the Future

• A strict ethical checklist to be implemented by the newsrooms and zero tolerance towards non-conformance. These guidelines should clearly outline the protocols for victim identification, content verification, and family engagement.

• Field reporters must be trained to approach survivors and families with compassion, not a mic.

• Editors must evaluate the impact of a certain kind of content on human memory. They should prioritize people over TRP.

• No speculations are to be made without official statements and authorised investigations being released.

• The audience should also learn to question the media and not just consume what is served.

Conclusion

Ahmedabad crisis was as much of a tragedy on the ground as it was in the sky. They exposed the sense of responsibility and ethical practices within Indian Journalism, especially in times of trauma. Media should know where they have to act as a gatekeeper and where to act as an amplifier. Their role is to inform, not to confuse or mislead. In the time of grief, they ought to comfort, not capitalize. They should be the dignified storytellers who help the nation process grief.