The Tragedy of Negative and Divisive Media in India: Understanding the Roots and Impact

In a complex and diverse nation like India, the media's role is crucial in shaping public opinion, providing information, and holding those in power accountable. However, the media, particularly television news, has become a source of negative and divisive content, engendering a perception of division among Indians. This phenomenon is not due to inherent differences in viewpoints but rather a result of various pressures and systemic issues within the industry.

Why is the Media in India Negative and Divisive?

While individuals and political parties can hold different viewpoints, the same cannot be said for the media. Even when media organizations present diverse perspectives, they are often perceived as divided, but this is not necessarily the case. The primary issue lies in the media's obsession with TRP (Television Rating Points) and the proliferation of fake news.

Television channels are forced to take sides, either in support of or against the government, to maintain high TRP ratings. This compels them to produce content that is either overly flattering or critically adversarial. Even those channels that aim to remain neutral or balanced are often compelled to sensationalize news to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The media's role in supporting the status quo and enriching themselves through biased reporting has historical roots. Since India's independence under Nehru's governance, media has often been one-sided and profit-driven, sometimes supporting corrupt interpretations of democracy. Dissent is a natural and healthy feature of any democracy, but this dissent can sometimes be co-opted by those with ulterior motives, leading to a polarized and divisively narrative.

Implications and Crowdsourcing Anger

The media's performance is driven by commercial interests. Names like ABP, Aaj Tak, Zee News, TV-18, Republic TV, TV9, and India TV are often referred to as 'Godi Media,' operating as stooges for their corporate masters. These media outlets broadcast to an audience that is watching not for accurate information, but for entertainment and to satisfy their increasing anger and frustration. The 'Godi' label is not far off; these channels frequently present a biased and sensationalized view of events.

The environment they operate in is highly pressured, with intense competition. The media cannot afford to spend time on double-checking facts or having lofty standards, as the audience may easily shift to another platform. This pressure leads to the constant production of news stories to keep the channel relevant, often broadcasting live, which adds another layer of complexity to the content produced.

Corporate Interests and Media Control

Underlying the divisiveness in Indian media is a corporate interest in maintaining economic stability and controlling the narrative. Major MNCs (Multinational Corporations) may face backlash in the future, leading to a fear of potential revolts. To prevent this, they align with Hindu nationalist groups and provide financial support, effectively purchasing media outlets to propagate communal and political agendas.

A deeper dissection of the situation reveals a complex interplay of economic interests, political maneuvering, and media bias. The media's role in India today is not just about journalism but also about serving as a tool for economic and political power.

As viewers and readers, it is crucial to be aware of these dynamics and evaluate the content critically. Understanding the historical and systemic factors influencing the media can help us make informed judgments and contribute to a more balanced and constructive discourse in society.