Unethical AIDS Cure advertisement on Hindustan Times

[Guest guest]

Hello all,

They say media reflects society, but isn't media also need to check

what it projects? This morning I came across an advertisement in one

of the frontrunner newspapers of the country- Hindustan Times

proclaiming cure for AIDS. You can check it out at this link

'Article/Photograph<http://epaper.hindustantimes.com//artMailDisp.aspx?article=2\

1_12_2008_009_009 & typ=1 & pub=47>

or turn to page 9 of HT (December 21).

As a mediaperson myself, I know there is minimal link between

editorial and advertising sections of a newspaper, which results in

such difference of opinion.

Having said that I believe there is greater need for a media company to ensure

that all their staff members are aware of what is unacceptable.

Newspaper builds its credibility to woo readers who in turn get advertisers. It

cannot wash off his hands from the content by claiming that the responsibility

lies with the advertiser.

The harm has been done, but we need to ensure it's not repeated.

Manu Moudgil

e-mail: <mann_sdchd@...>