The state of Journalism in India: A Critical Examination

In recent years, the landscape of journalism in India has faced significant criticism, particularly regarding the ethical standards and practices employed by media outlets. A poignant expression of this sentiment was shared by Shivani Shukla on Twitter, where she articulated a growing frustration with how Indian media operates. Shukla’s remarks reflect a broader concern about the transition of journalism from a noble profession aimed at informing the public to a marketplace driven by sensationalism and emotional exploitation.

The Role of Media in Society

Journalism has always played a crucial role in society, serving as the watchdog of democracy and a platform for public discourse. It is meant to inform citizens, hold power accountable, and provide a voice for the marginalized. However, this noble mission appears to be increasingly overshadowed by a focus on profits and viewer engagement in many media houses.

Shivani Shukla’s tweet captures the essence of this discontent. She argues that instead of acting as responsible journalists, many in the Indian media landscape have adopted the role of "emotionless content farmers." This metaphor suggests that media outlets are more concerned with harvesting views and generating revenue than with delivering meaningful and responsible journalism.

Sensationalism Over Substance

One of the most alarming trends in contemporary journalism is the shift towards sensationalism. This approach often prioritizes eye-catching headlines and emotionally charged stories over factual reporting and in-depth analysis. In her tweet, Shukla points out that media outlets "sell grief" and "feed off trauma like vultures." This vivid imagery highlights the disturbing reality that many stories are not reported with the intent to inform but rather to evoke a strong emotional response from the audience.

Such practices can have severe consequences. By focusing on sensational stories, media outlets may neglect important issues that require attention and discussion. Moreover, the constant barrage of tragic news can lead to desensitization among the public, fostering a culture where trauma is commodified for entertainment rather than approached with the seriousness it deserves.

The Impact on Public Perception

The way news is reported can significantly influence public perception and understanding of events. When media outlets prioritize sensationalism, they risk distorting the truth and shaping narratives that do not reflect the complexities of reality. This can lead to misinformation, fear, and a lack of trust in journalism as a whole.

Shivani Shukla’s assertion that "journalism here is not just dead, it’s buried" resonates with many who feel disillusioned by the current state of media in India. The erosion of journalistic integrity can result in a public that is skeptical of news sources, ultimately undermining the essential role that journalism plays in a democratic society.

The Role of Social Media

In today’s digital age, social media has become a powerful tool for both disseminating information and shaping public opinion. While platforms like Twitter offer a space for diverse voices and perspectives, they also contribute to the propagation of sensationalist content. The brevity and immediacy of social media posts can lead to oversimplification of complex issues, further exacerbating the challenges faced by traditional journalism.

Shivani Shukla’s tweet, shared on Twitter, serves as a microcosm of the broader conversations taking place online about the state of journalism in India. It highlights the need for critical engagement with media content and encourages audiences to question the motivations behind the stories presented to them.

A Call for Ethical Journalism

Despite the challenges facing journalism in India, there is hope for a return to ethical reporting practices. Journalists and media organizations must prioritize transparency, accuracy, and accountability in their reporting. This involves not only fact-checking and verifying sources but also approaching stories with empathy and respect for those involved.

Moreover, media literacy among the public is crucial. Audiences should be encouraged to critically evaluate the information they consume, recognizing the difference between sensationalized content and substantive journalism. By fostering a culture of media literacy, individuals can become more discerning consumers of news, demanding higher standards from the outlets they engage with.

Conclusion

The frustrations expressed by Shivani Shukla regarding the state of journalism in India resonate with many who are concerned about the ethical implications of sensationalist reporting. As media continues to evolve in the digital age, it is essential for journalists and media organizations to remember their fundamental responsibility to inform and educate the public.

In order to revitalize journalism in India, a collective effort is needed—one that prioritizes truth, integrity, and the well-being of society over profit. By holding media accountable and demanding higher standards, both journalists and audiences can work together to ensure that journalism remains a vital pillar of democracy, capable of fostering informed discourse and empowering citizens.

By addressing these issues head-on and advocating for responsible journalism, we can begin to shift the narrative and restore faith in the media as a trustworthy source of information. The path forward may be challenging, but it is essential for the health of our democratic society and the well-being of its citizens.

I live in India, and what boils my blood is how our media operates not as journalists but as emotionless content farmers. They don’t report news, they sell grief. They feed off trauma like vultures. Every tragedy makes it clearer journalism here is not just dead, it’s buried and…

— Shivani Shukla (@iShivani_Shukla) June 12, 2025

I live in India, and what boils my blood is how our media operates not as journalists but as emotionless content farmers.

Living in India, it’s hard to ignore the changes unfolding in the media landscape. It’s more than just news; it’s a spectacle, a show, and a drama that plays out daily on our screens. When I say that our media operates not as journalists but as emotionless content farmers, it’s painfully evident. The essence of journalism seems lost, replaced with an obsession for clicks and views. It’s like watching vultures circle overhead, waiting to feast on the latest tragedy. The media has turned into a marketplace of grief, where the pain of individuals is commodified for profit.

They don’t report news, they sell grief.

The phrase “they don’t report news, they sell grief” resonates deeply with many of us. The sensationalism that permeates news reports feels more like a dramatized soap opera than serious journalism. Every incident, every accident, and every misfortune is analyzed, dissected, and presented in a manner that maximizes viewer engagement. Headlines often read like clickbait designed to provoke outrage rather than inform and educate. This trend has led to a culture where news is less about facts and more about emotional manipulation. Clicks are the currency of today’s media, and grief is the product they’re peddling.

They feed off trauma like vultures.

This idea of media feeding off trauma like vultures is not an exaggeration. It’s an unfortunate reality faced by many. Whenever a tragedy strikes, the media rushes in, cameras rolling, microphones out, eager to capture every tear and every shout. The focus shifts from the event itself to the emotional toll it takes on the victims and their families. Human suffering becomes content, and the dignity of those affected is often overlooked. This kind of reporting not only sensationalizes the event but also desensitizes the audience, making them numb to the reality of suffering. It’s a vicious cycle where media thrives on the very tragedies that tear communities apart.

Every tragedy makes it clearer journalism here is not just dead, it’s buried.

Sadly, every tragedy that unfolds only serves as a stark reminder that journalism in India is not just dead; it’s buried beneath layers of sensationalism and emotional exploitation. Real journalism, which once sought to inform and educate the public, has been replaced by a model that prioritizes ratings over integrity. Investigative reporting has taken a backseat, with many journalists opting to chase stories that will generate the most buzz instead of those that hold significant societal value. The focus is no longer on uncovering truths but rather on creating narratives that will keep viewers glued to their screens.

The Impact on Society and Democracy

The implications of this shift in journalism extend beyond mere frustration. A healthy democracy relies on an informed citizenry, but when the media fails to deliver accurate and meaningful news, the entire society suffers. Misinformation spreads like wildfire, and public discourse becomes skewed. People are left to navigate a landscape filled with half-truths and sensationalized stories, leading to polarization and mistrust. The media’s role as a watchdog is compromised, and the voices of those in power go unchecked.

What Can Be Done?

So, what can be done to change this narrative? For starters, it’s crucial for consumers of news to demand better. Supporting media outlets that prioritize fact-based reporting over sensationalism is vital. This can be achieved by seeking out independent journalism that emphasizes integrity and accountability. Additionally, educating oneself about media literacy can empower individuals to discern between credible news and emotional manipulation. As consumers, we have the power to influence the kind of media that thrives in our society.

The Role of Social Media

Social media has undeniably changed the way we consume news. It provides a platform for voices that mainstream media often overlook. However, it also amplifies the sensationalism that traditional media has adopted. The line between credible reporting and emotional content is often blurred on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. It’s essential to approach news on social media with a critical mind, verifying sources and questioning narratives before sharing. The responsibility lies with each of us to ensure that we’re not contributing to the cycle of sensationalism.

Supporting Responsible Journalism

Supporting responsible journalism means recognizing and valuing the work of those who strive to uphold the principles of journalistic integrity. Many journalists are dedicated to their craft, working tirelessly to report the truth, even in the face of adversity. By subscribing to reputable news organizations, sharing their stories, and amplifying their voices, we can help create an environment that values quality over quantity. It’s about fostering a culture that prioritizes meaningful storytelling over emotional exploitation.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

It’s time for us to stand up and advocate for a media landscape that values humanity over profit. As consumers of news, we have the power to shape the future of journalism. Let’s reject the notion that grief is a commodity. Instead, let’s demand reporting that respects the dignity of individuals and prioritizes truth over sensationalism. Together, we can work towards reviving journalism in India, ensuring it serves its purpose as a pillar of democracy rather than a source of emotional exploitation.

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