Although, in no way do I wish to imply that BJP state governments shouldn't be scrutinised, but, if only BJP governments are singled out ignoring other governments, then it amounts to biased reporting. The most disturbing thing is linking of cow vigilante groups to the BJP or RSS despite knowing very well that Prime Minister Modi has denounced and criticised such groups en number of times in public. Even RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat too has publicly warned such groups. These kind of violent acts are wrong and are to be condemned out rightly without linking them to any political party.
Now, coming back to the changed reporting style of a majority of media channels. Most of the Hindi TV news channels have carried out surveys on the performance of the Modi government and also justified their survey reports citing that Modi's popularity has soared, with the government performing well on various parameters. Many channels have also reported on corruption cases against leaders of various anti-BJP parties, while debating and asking some serious questions to the spokespersons of respective opposition parties.
Albeit, TRPs might also be one probable reason, but TV channels perhaps felt that Republic TV would bite into a major chunk of their viewership if they don't change their anti-Modi or anti-BJP mindset. One should really thank Arnab Goswami for infusing such fear and sense of insecurity among other biased TV channels.
But then, there's a dark side though. Even if the reporting now has become pro-BJP or pro-Modi, it still remains biased reporting, shifting the balance now in favour of the ruling party. So, is it not possible to report unbiased?
Some say that Arnab Goswami is pro-BJP or pro-Modi. But, I don't think so. Although, I may concede that he is pro-himself as he doesn't care about any politician or political party and rather stays firmly adamant on his conviction irrespective of whether it is right or wrong. People appreciate him because they never see him as somebody else's mask.
Media has always been the fourth pillar of democracy. But just because of biased reporting, TV media has continuously lost credibility. It's a problem not only confined to Indian media, but is omnipresent the world over. That's why more and more people have started relying on online media portals and social media etc. Let's hope that Indian television media will do some serious introspection and start delivering free, independent and neutral journalism.
At the same time let's also hope that Arnab Goswami mellows down his aggression a bit more while questioning or debating, because if he doesn't, a time will come that no spokesperson of any political party will be willing to appear on his show.
