India’s mainstream media, long touted as the “fourth pillar of democracy,” has in recent years revealed itself to be a hollow claim. Rather than scrutinising those in power or holding the government accountable, large swathes of India’s media ecosystem have devolved into a spectacle of sensationalism, hyper-nationalism, and Pakistan-bashing. The result is a press that systematically fails its most basic responsibility: informing the citizenry and acting as a watchdog.

At the heart of the problem is a perverse prioritisation of external narratives over domestic accountability. Headlines are filled with stories of alleged Pakistani plots, border skirmishes, or inflammatory social media posts, while glaring corruption, policy failures, or human rights violations within India barely receive coverage. Take, for example, the massive economic challenges India faces—skyrocketing unemployment, inflation, or agrarian distress.

These are issues that directly affect millions, yet prime-time discussions often revolve around alleged espionage or provocative statements by Pakistani officials, frequently with little to no evidence. By contrast, genuine mismanagement, questionable government contracts, or controversial legislation are either buried, glossed over, or reported in a manner sympathetic to the ruling party.

This obsession with Pakistan is not just incidental; it is structurally embedded in the media ecosystem. Television news channels, in particular, thrive on “breaking news” loops that dramatise India-Pakistan tensions. Every minor event across the border is magnified, often accompanied by speculative graphics, bold tickers, and alarmist commentary. In doing so, these media houses cultivate a perpetual sense of threat, which conveniently distracts the public from domestic shortcomings. The narrative is simple: the “real problem” is external, so internal accountability can be sidestepped.

Even more troubling is the deliberate dissemination of disinformation. Numerous reports, social media campaigns, and televised segments have been debunked repeatedly, yet the cycle continues. Fake news and half-truths about Pakistan—ranging from alleged funding of domestic protests to orchestrating terrorist attacks—dominate headlines, often repeated across multiple outlets without verification. Meanwhile, investigative journalism that questions the government’s own statements or exposes corruption rarely makes the same splash. The asymmetry is stark: Pakistan is portrayed as a constant threat, while domestic failings are sanitised, underreported, or justified.

International observers increasingly note that Indian news coverage often sacrifices factual accuracy for nationalistic theatrics, portraying Pakistan as an omnipresent adversary while ignoring structural challenges at home

International observers increasingly note that Indian news coverage often sacrifices factual accuracy for nationalistic theatrics, portraying Pakistan as an omnipresent adversary while ignoring structural challenges at home

The reasons for this media failure are complex, but they largely revolve around financial and political incentives. Many mainstream outlets are heavily dependent on government advertising or the political patronage of ruling parties. Criticising those in power is not just risky—it can imperil revenue streams or invite regulatory scrutiny.

By contrast, criticism of Pakistan is risk-free, sensational, and audience-friendly. It generates clicks, increases ratings, and strengthens the perception of patriotism among viewers. In effect, media organisations have created a profit-driven incentive structure that favours alarmist coverage of external actors over introspective accountability.

This failure is compounded by a deeply polarised journalistic culture. Opinion-driven news dominates reporting, often replacing fact-based journalism. Anchors and columnists frequently conflate commentary with reporting, presenting subjective interpretations as incontrovertible facts. In this environment, stories about Pakistan are not just news—they are tools to advance a political agenda, to signal loyalty to the state, and to frame dissenting voices within India as unpatriotic. Objective reporting, in which the media rigorously interrogates government policy or exposes wrongdoing, is increasingly treated as optional rather than essential.

The consequences of this media dysfunction are serious. Citizens are misinformed or selectively informed, national discourse is skewed, and democratic accountability suffers. When the press does not interrogate those in power, policy decisions are implemented without sufficient scrutiny. Corruption thrives, governance weakens, and citizens are left with a distorted understanding of national priorities. Meanwhile, the obsessive focus on Pakistan feeds xenophobia and entrenches a binary, adversarial worldview, making reasoned debate about domestic issues nearly impossible.

Moreover, this obsession undermines India’s credibility abroad. International observers increasingly note that Indian news coverage often sacrifices factual accuracy for nationalistic theatrics, portraying Pakistan as an omnipresent adversary while ignoring structural challenges at home. This is not mere misreporting; it is a systematic failure of the media’s core duty to present balanced, evidence-based information to the public.

There are, of course, exceptions. A handful of journalists and smaller outlets continue to produce investigative work, hold the powerful to account, and report with integrity. Yet their voices are drowned out by the cacophony of sensationalist, ratings-driven content. Without systemic reform—both in journalistic ethics and in the political-economic incentives that shape media behaviour—the mainstream press will remain more obsessed with constructing external enemies than confronting internal failings.

In conclusion, India’s mainstream media has failed in its fundamental democratic role. By privileging Pakistan as a perpetual threat, spreading disinformation, and ignoring government accountability, it betrays its purpose as the “fourth estate.” Real democracy demands a media that challenges power, informs citizens, and scrutinises policy decisions, not one that substitutes patriotism for professionalism. Until India’s media rediscovers that commitment, it will continue to be a performance-driven industry that entertains rather than enlightens—and a public misled rather than empowered.

© The Friday Times