There is nothing wrong with patriotic journalism during times of national crisis, provided the media does not fail to question and/or cross-check official claims and does not stifle dissenting voices.

But when media houses parrot official statements, rely on press releases and studio debates instead of on-ground reporting, and do not hold those in power to account, journalism, to quote veteran television journalist Ravish Kumar, becomes “stenography”.

Considering that the media is a vital watchdog over government and other powerful institutions in a democratic country, ensuring accountability and transparency, the sheer absurdity of passing propaganda and jingoism as journalism is not only a disservice to the profession but also a disgrace to the nation.

But then we are living in “New India”, where propaganda is presented as news and news channels have become so politically biased that it is difficult for common viewers to disentangle news from political propaganda.

The race to break news and biased and jingoistic approaches to reporting have crossed the limits of principles of ethics and journalistic standards of accuracy, objectivity, and impartiality.

Given the way several social media news platforms and television channels have been weaponised by the government to control the political narrative, both have become increasingly sensational and theatrical in recent years and, particularly, during moments of geopolitical tension.

So, when the borders heat up, so do the newsrooms, often prioritising nationalistic and jingoistic fervour over journalistic........

© Free Press Journal