MUMBAI, April 19: The degeneration of the mass media - including films, television and print journalism - and its fallout on society formed the subject of detailed discussion at a two-day seminar on `Impact of the mass media on crime and society' organised by Maharashtra police.Both police officials and media experts laid maximum stress on the need to enact the Right to Information Act, modify the Official Secrets Act and formulate rules for police officers which would enable them to communicate with the media effectively without harming the investigation.Most participants rued the overdose of sex and violence in today's films. ``As money-making gains importance, the value of art declines,'' M N Singh, a police officer from Pune said.Similar views were expressed about the declining quality of TV programmes. ``Even movies certified as adult films are being shown on cable TV. With parents working, children are free to watch what they want. The effects may not be visible immediately, but they willmanifest themselves over a period of time," said Reena Vora, a teacher.Policemen and filmmakers were unanimous that the only way to reduce sex and violence in movies was to make the censor board more accountable by giving it powers. ``The industry must also create a watchdog office,'' filmmaker Shyam Benegal said. Most of the mediapersons said there was a need to treat journalists as a professional group and make it mandatory for them to have certain qualifications and professional training before accepting them as journalists. This would help improve professional standards, they said. Mumbai's police commissioner Ronnie H Mendonca highlighted that trial by media was becoming common, wherein only one party was represented and the other wasn't.Participants at the seminar included Director General of Maharashtra police Arvind Inamdar, Bureau of Police Research and Development director B R Lal, police officers including retired IG K F Rustomji and mediapersons Pritish Nandy, Shyam Benegal, RameshSippy, Aakar Patel and Behrams Contractor.
