| 15 September 2023
| Christie Anto
Maharashtra, India-In a bold move aimed at challenging the alleged spread of hate and partisan narratives by certain television news anchors in India, opposition parties have pledged to boycott the shows hosted by these anchors. Accusing them of bias towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government, the opposition claims that these anchors have contributed to the polarization of Indian society.
Congress party spokesman Pawan Khera articulated the opposition's stance, stating, "We do not want to legitimise this hate-filled narrative which is corroding our society. We will not partake in these showrooms of hate." The Congress party is part of a coalition comprising more than two dozen parties aiming to provide a unified alternative to Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming national elections.
Since Modi assumed office in 2014, activists and rights groups have raised concerns about the state of press freedom in India. Critics have accused Indian cable news shows of being aligned with the BJP's agenda, particularly when it comes to polarizing segments targeting Muslim and Christian minorities.
The opposition bloc has identified 14 anchors, including some of India's most popular TV personalities, whose programs they will boycott. The Indian cable news landscape is known for its raucous and combative debate programs, often featuring numerous panelists vying for attention. Opposition parties have long decried these networks for failing to adhere to impartiality standards and portraying their activities negatively.
One of the named anchors, Sudhir Chaudhary of Aaj Tak, a Hindi channel owned by the India Today Group, responded by criticizing the alliance for its stance, stating that they were targeting hosts who "refused to lick their boots." Chaudhary also cautioned that opposition lawmakers' refusal to face critical questions put news outlets in a "dangerous situation."
Indian media has faced increasing challenges to its independence and objectivity since Modi took office. India's ranking in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) global press freedom index has plummeted by 21 places, landing the country at 161st out of 180 surveyed nations. Journalists who report critically on the government often face legal action and online harassment from BJP supporters.
Furthermore, last year, Indian tycoon Gautam Adani, a close associate of the Prime Minister, acquired a majority stake in broadcaster NDTV, a move described by RSF as signaling "the end of pluralism in the mainstream media."
Responding to the boycott, Amit Malviya, a politician responsible for the BJP's social media outreach, praised the anchors targeted and encouraged them, stating, "They should wear it as a badge of honor."
In an opinion piece for Al Jazeera, Apoorvanand, a professor of Hindi at Delhi University, highlighted the relentless spread of anti-Muslim propaganda by "hate-mongering" TV channels in recent years. He expressed concern that what Indian children hear at home and in their families often reinforces the bigotry propagated on their television and phone screens.
The boycott by opposition parties marks a significant development in the ongoing battle over media freedom and political polarization in India. As the nation gears up for crucial national elections, the role of media and its impact on public discourse will continue to be a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.
Comments