The deaths of Ashwin Aghor, Satish Nandgaonkar and Sujata Anandan, all Mumbai-based journalists, in February, has been a shocker for many of us. I knew Ashwin, a very good environmental journalist although we disagreed on Hindutva, and Sujata well, Satish only to say hello. All three left too early, and one at least, according to those who know, because of the stresses of work.
Sujata’s sudden death is particularly hard to bear, at a personal level. She was, as several have pointed out on social media yesterday, steadfastly secular, committed to a democratic India, stood against bigotry, and stuck to her guns in spite of all the abuse she faced. She was also a treasure trove of information on Maharashtra politics. And a kind and generous person. A big loss.
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/obituary/condolences-pour-in-at-sudden-demise-of-author-and-commentator-sujata-anandan
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If no news is good news, then all news is bad news. As the paragraphs above appear to prove. But sometimes, there is good news. At least when it comes to standing up for the Constitution and our secular values, and for holding the media to account.
The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has fined two “news” channels and issued a warning to a third about their communal programming. “Every inter-faith relationship not love jihad” said the Authority, as it fined Times Now Navbharat Rs 100,000 and News 18 India Rs 50,000. Aaj Tak was warned.
The anchors involved are popular for their constant polarising and attempts to spread religious hatred and sectarian disharmony. Those who watch these toxic programmes will know them as Himanshu Dixit, Aman Chopra, Amish Devgan and Sudhir Chaudhary.
The NBDSA’s decision was based on a complaint filed by Indrajeet Ghorpade.
https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/every-inter-faith-relationship-not-love-jihad-nbdsa-fines-news-channels-for-communal-programs-250888
Sadly, it is unlikely that these anchors – and others like them – will change their ways despite this admonishment. The fines are not large enough to bother the media houses which own them either, because they get huge dividends from catering to religious bigotry and hatred, not just from the large viewership, but also in terms of government patronage and favours. News 18 is owned by Mukesh Ambani, Times Now by Vineet Jain and Aaj Tak is part of the India Today group owned by Aroon Purie. No action has been taken by the media houses against these anchors for their rampant Islamophobia and anti- Constitutional programming. For all we know, they have been rewarded.
That raises the question of how these fines will impact these channels. My personal cynical view is: not at all. We are going into general election mode soon. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are desperate to win this election and one of their key campaign strategies will be a complicit and helpful media. These TV channels are an integral part of their campaign plans.
It is highly unlikely that one decision like this is going to make much difference to a media which has already committed to this path. Across the channels anchors appear to have a free hand when it comes to demonising Muslims, ignoring injustices when the BJP is the accused and hyping similar cases when any opposition party is in power.
RIP for Sujata, Satish and Ashwin.
As for the media, well…
Ranjona Banerji is a senior journalist and commentator. She writes on MxMIndia on Tuesdays and Fridays. Her views here are personal.