An Open Letter to the Indian Media

The media is considered the fourth pillar of democracy. The other three are the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. Each of us has certain expectations of the media regarding the narratives it sets and the agendas it tries to highlight through newspapers, TV channels and digital platforms such as YouTube and Instagram.

Now, it is understandable that many people feel dejected when the media does not take up their issues. However, calling media houses names such as godi media, right-wing media, Lutyens’ media, Darbari media, or left-wing media does not necessarily achieve anything either.

Media organisations have their own ways of functioning. Some may cover issues selectively or report them in a biased manner, while others may make a genuine effort to remain impartial and hold different political parties accountable. But ultimately, they are all operating within their own professional and organisational limitations.

The Media Cannot Change the System Overnight

Do not have unrealistic expectations of reporters and journalists. They can highlight what is happening, reinforce public concerns and create awareness about important issues. However, if you expect reporters and journalists to bring about overnight changes in the system or restore everything that you believe is right and justified, you may be mistaken.

Before expecting the media to act as an activist or always stand up for what is right, ask yourself: Can the media truly survive without money?

The media is also a business. Like any other business, media organisations have commercial interests, operating costs and financial obligations. Journalists and reporters often have to work within the editorial policies and instructions of their organisations. They cannot always take an independent stand whenever they want. They have families to take care of, EMIs to pay and bills to clear.

If you feel that mainstream media is not covering issues that matter to you or is not doing its job the way you expect, who is stopping you from becoming your own voice or representing the people and causes you support?

Start a YouTube channel, write a blog or use any other digital platform. Today, you have several ways to express your opinions and reach an audience.

But do not try to impose your thoughts on others or expect every media organisation to tell you only what you want to hear.

The Reality Inside a Media House

Traditionally, the media, particularly in India, has often been expected to question those in power and act as a watchdog against the establishment. However, the media landscape has undergone significant changes over the last two decades.

Today, the Indian media landscape includes different groups and editorial approaches. Some media organisations are perceived as being more supportive of the ruling establishment, while others are more sympathetic towards the opposition. You will also find digital platforms, particularly on YouTube and Instagram, that attempt to question all political parties and call out wrongdoing, irrespective of who is responsible.

Of course, claiming to be unbiased and actually being unbiased are two different things. Every media organisation and journalist should be judged by the quality, accuracy and fairness of their reporting.

Asking tough questions is one of the responsibilities of the media. However, journalists sometimes have to work within the editorial directions of their employers. They may have to follow their bosses’ instructions, even when they personally disagree with a particular editorial decision. Otherwise, their jobs could be at stake.

Don’t Judge Reporters and Journalists

It is quite easy to judge which newspaper or news channel is biased and which is not while sitting comfortably at home. However, once you join a TV news channel or a newspaper, you may realise how complicated things can be behind the scenes.

Not every journalist has complete editorial freedom. Not everyone can decide which story to cover, how much prominence to give it or what position to take on a particular issue.

When it comes to political issues, the Indian media landscape is visibly divided into different groups and ideological camps. However, blaming TV reporters, harassing them or heckling them is not just wrong; it can also amount to intimidation and, in some circumstances, violence. Such behaviour does a great disservice to democracy and the nation.

Just as you cannot always ask your boss to leave you alone after working for nine or ten hours if they suddenly call an urgent meeting or assign you an urgent assignment, journalists, too, may not always have the freedom to say exactly what they want, even when they have a platform to express themselves.

This does not mean that journalists should never be held accountable. They should be questioned when they spread misinformation, compromise journalistic ethics or deliberately misrepresent facts. But criticism should be directed at their work rather than turning into personal harassment or intimidation.

Conclusion

Everything may seem straightforward from the outside. But when your next month’s salary is at stake, even if you are conscientious, knowledgeable or committed to your principles, standing up against your organisation’s editorial decisions can become difficult.

This does not justify biased reporting or a lack of journalistic integrity. However, it does help us understand the professional and financial pressures that some journalists may face.

So, stop blaming TV journalists, newspaper reporters and YouTubers for everything. Some are setting agendas, some are shaping narratives, some are simply doing their jobs, and some are pouring their heart into speaking or writing about poignant issues that demand urgent attention.

The media deserves scrutiny, journalists deserve professional freedom, and audiences deserve accurate and responsible reporting. We should be able to question the media without forgetting the people working within it.

Atish Home Chowdhury