India youth protests highlight mistrust in ‘lapdog’ media

Journalists covering recent youth-led protests in India faced public anger and attacks, revealing a profound crisis of trust in traditional broadcasters. Protesters, organized by the online Cockroach Janta Party movement, displayed signs branding TV channels as "India's worst enemies." They accused media outlets of being "lapdog" media, allegedly aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

This hostility underscores a widening gap between established networks and the burgeoning ecosystem of independent digital platforms, which many young Indians increasingly rely on for news. At a protest site in New Delhi, students expressed disappointment with news channels, with one software professional stating, "They brand every protest anti-national."

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It is disheartening to see news channels. They brand every protest anti-national.

The backlash saw protesters directly target TV journalists. Dev Kotak, a reporter for Times Now, recounted being doused with water and then physically assaulted by a crowd in New Delhi. "There was anger simmering around me and I was scared for my life," the 36-year-old told AFP, as videos of him fleeing protesters circulated on social media. Three of his colleagues also reported harassment.

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There was anger simmering around me and I was scared for my life.

Media observers note that the public anger reflects years of eroding confidence. Journalist Ravish Kumar explained that "Godi media" (a term used by critics for "lapdog" media) are seen as "anti-people and anti-opposition." He added, "They have destroyed their own credibility. Genuine public demands are being termed as conspiracies in order to demonize them."

Press freedom concerns have been raised by rights groups since Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014, citing increasing hostility towards journalists perceived as critical of the government. India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has fallen significantly, and journalists critical of the government have faced legal action and harassment.

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Godi media are considered anti-people and anti-opposition. They have destroyed their own credibility. Genuine public demands are being termed as conspiracies in order to demonize them.