News in the Age of Disinformation - Abhinandan Sekhri on Gandhi,Nehru, Modi and Newslaundry #TPE 293
Sep 11, 2023
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Abhinandan Sekhri, CEO of Newslaundry, discusses changing narratives on Gandhi and Nehru, why people vote for BJP, news, disinformation, propaganda, technology, and the financial model of Newslaundry on The Pakistan Experience. They dive into topics like CAA, extremism, independent news, secularism, satire, and speaking your mind. The podcast explores the perception of Pakistan in Indian news and politics, scrutiny of heroes, hypocrisy of the Pakistani elite, impact of social media, institutionalization of laws, Elon Musk's principles on Twitter, transparency in news media funding, blurred lines between activism and journalism, and navigating India-Pakistan relations and identity.
Media literacy is crucial in the digital age to combat misinformation and fake news.
Economic advancement alone cannot eradicate religious bigotry and violence.
Balancing freedom of speech and accountability is a challenge in the digital era.
Independent media organizations face challenges in funding and sustainability, but alternative financial models offer potential.
Deep dives
The importance of an informed citizenry for democracy
An informed citizenry is crucial for the functioning and vitality of democracy. Without access to accurate and reliable information, citizens cannot make informed decisions, hold their leaders accountable, or participate effectively in the political process. News media, often referred to as the fourth pillar of democracy, plays a vital role in providing the necessary information for citizens to engage with governance and politics. In today's digital age, where misinformation and fake news are prevalent, media literacy becomes crucial to help citizens consume news responsibly, identify biases, and understand the difference between biased news and actual fake news. A well-informed citizenry is essential to maintain the strength of democratic institutions and safeguard against the erosion of democratic values.
The challenges of misinformation and social media
The rise of social media has created new challenges and complexities in the dissemination of news and information. Misinformation and fake news can spread rapidly on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp, leading to the erosion of trust in traditional news sources. This has resulted in a proliferation of conspiracy theories, polarization, and the questioning of established facts. Keeping the pipeline of information free and open is important, but it also necessitates media literacy and critical thinking skills in the population. It is crucial for individuals to discern between biased news and actual fake news, and to actively seek out reliable and credible sources of information. With the rise of AI and technological advancements, the challenges posed by misinformation are likely to increase, but so too must efforts to promote media literacy and responsible information consumption.
The role of economic advancement in shaping attitudes
There is a hypothesis that economic advancement and prosperity can lead to a decline in religious bigotry and violence. The idea is that as individuals become more economically secure and have more to lose, they are less likely to engage in acts of violence or discrimination based on religious beliefs. While there might be some truth to this hypothesis, it is not a guarantee. Factors such as historical and cultural context, the strength of democratic institutions, and the presence of inclusive policies also play significant roles in shaping attitudes and behaviors. Moreover, economic advancement alone may not address deep-seated biases and prejudices that exist within societies. Therefore, while economic progress can contribute to a more tolerant and inclusive society, it is not a panacea for eradicating religious bigotry and violence.
The complex relationship between freedom of speech and accountability
The issue of freedom of speech is a complex one, particularly in the digital age. While freedom of speech is a fundamental right that should be protected, there are limits to it, such as laws against hate speech or incitement to violence. However, the application of these limits should be carefully considered and should not be subject to abuse or disproportionate punishment. Balancing freedom of speech with the need for accountability is a challenge, especially when it comes to online platforms and social media. While it is important to call out hate speech and misinformation, criminalizing certain forms of speech can create a chilling effect on freedom of expression. The key lies in creating a system that encourages responsible speech, media literacy, and critical thinking, without stifling the free flow of ideas and opinions.
The blurred lines between bias and freedom of speech on digital media platforms
The podcast discusses the shift in perception of digital media platforms as an embodiment of freedom of speech, as Elon Musk's ideas are projected onto them. It raises the argument that a pre-Elon Musk world on Twitter, where freedom of speech was seemingly unlimited, may have been better than the current controlled version. The speaker also touches on the illusion of complete neutrality and objectivity in news, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one's vantage point and being transparent about it. The episode delves into the need for diversity of thought and opinion in newsrooms and the challenges faced by independent media organizations, particularly in terms of funding and sustainability.
The complexity of objectivity and activism in journalism
The podcast explores the blurred boundaries between political activism and political journalism. While journalism inherently carries an element of activism, the distinction between the two depends on one's definition of activism. The speaker mentions the importance of avoiding becoming a cheerleader for a particular ideology as a journalist, and instead focusing on making the world better through their work. It acknowledges that the lines often get blurred, and maintaining journalistic independence and integrity becomes a challenge in covering political events and ideologies.
The challenges and potential of independent media in India
The podcast highlights the challenges faced by independent media organizations in India, particularly regarding funding and sustainability. It discusses the need for transparency in revealing who funds news organizations, as well as the limitations of the ad-funded model. The speaker emphasizes the importance of journalism aimed at serving the public rather than pleasing advertisers. It also mentions the potential bright spots in Indian media, where many individuals and legacy media outfits want to support journalism but may be hesitant to speak up. The episode concludes with a discussion on the potential for alternative financial models and the importance of engaging subscribers and supporters to ensure the continuation of independent journalism.
The CEO of Newslaunry, Abhinandan Sekhri, comes on The Pakistan Experience to discuss the changing narratives on Gandhi and Nehru, why people vote for BJP, News, Disinformation, Propaganda, Technology, and the Financial model of Newslaundry.
On this deep dive podcast, we discuss CAA, BJP, Pakistan, Extremism, Technology, Twitter, Independent News, Democracy, Secularism, Satire, and Speaking your mind!
Abhinandan Sekhri is the co-founder and CEO of Newslaundry. He has also co-founded the production house Small Screen with Prashant Sareen. Before founding Newslaundry, he worked as a producer, director and writer in various television and film projects, including the award-winning food and travel show ‘Highway on my Plate’, and news-satire shows such as ‘Gustaakhi Maaf’ and ‘The Great Indian Tamasha’.
The Pakistan Experience is an independently produced podcast looking to tell stories about Pakistan through conversations.
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The podcast is hosted by comedian and writer, Shehzad Ghias Shaikh. Shehzad is a Fulbright scholar with a Masters in Theatre from Brooklyn College. He is also one of the foremost Stand-up comedians in Pakistan and frequently writes for numerous publications.
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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:30 Anti-India and Anti-Pakistan rhetoric
5:30 Speaking openly and honestly
8:00 Changing narratives on Gandhi
20:30 Changing narratives on Nehru
25:30 Changing India - Congress, AAP and BJP
31:00 Hypocrisy of the Elite and the Liberals
35:30 People are not aware of the divisiveness
39:00 Chronology Samjhay; India’s challenge to Secularism
45:30 CAA
47:00 Will Technology and Economic advancements reduce radicalism?
53:15 Democracy, Information and Awareness and the role of the News
57:30 Information in the Digital Age
1:07:00 Neutrality, Objectivity and Fairness in the News
1:19:30 What is the Newslaundry model
1:28:17 Audience Questions
1:48:40 Abhishek’s Question for Shehzad
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