Why the rise of ‘godi media’ is a disaster for Indian democracy and economic growth
Capture by political and corporate interests has undermined journalistic independence – with dangerous implications for the country.
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In the lead-up to India’s 2024 general election, several prominent news broadcasters collaborated with polling agencies to project a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party, with some forecasts suggesting a two-thirds majority. Contrary to these predictions, the BJP secured only 240 seats, falling short of the 272 required for a simple majority in the 543-seat Lok Sabha. This stark disconnect between media projections and the actual electoral outcome exposed a concerning trend: the erosion of media independence through political and corporate influence.
This disconnect between media projections and actual outcomes underscores the phenomenon of media capture, where media outlets prioritise governmental narratives at the expense of their independence and objectivity. By sidelining critical issues such as unemployment, inflation, and agrarian distress, and by marginalising opposition voices, news media failed to represent the electorate’s true sentiments. This failure not only undermined public trust in mainstream media but also emphasised the urgent need for journalistic integrity to safeguard democratic values.
In a democratic society, the media is regarded as the “fourth estate”, entrusted with the critical roles of holding power accountable and keeping the public informed. However, in recent years, segments of the media in many countries have deviated from this responsibility, giving rise to what is commonly...
