TED Talks Daily How we’re helping local reporters turn important stories into national news | Gangadhar Patil
Oct 8, 2019
Gangadhar Patil, a TED Fellow and journalist, is on a mission to spotlight local reporters in India. He discusses how these journalists face challenges in getting their vital stories recognized by national outlets. Patil reveals innovative strategies that connect grassroots reporters with mainstream media, empowering them to tackle issues like social justice and transparency. His insights highlight the essential role local journalism plays in weaving community narratives into a broader context, ensuring important stories receive the attention they deserve.
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Local Reporter's Journey
- Gangadhar Patil, a local reporter in Belgam, India, felt frustrated by the lack of attention given to local stories.
- He later worked with national newspapers but realized local reporters often had important stories that went unnoticed.
Rural Coverage Gap
- Only 2% of India's mainstream media covers rural issues, despite 70% of India's 1.3 billion population living in villages.
- This lack of coverage is concerning for a democracy like India, where transparency is crucial for justice, especially for the poor.
Building a Platform
- Patil quit his job to build a platform for local reporters.
- He noticed news organizations were cutting costs and seeking contributors, creating an opportunity to highlight local stories.