South Central The State of Investigative Journalism in 2025 India | South Central Episode 54
Dec 12, 2025
Join investigative powerhouses Josy Joseph, founder of Confluence Media; Rema Nagarajan, senior editor at Times of India; and independent journalist Nikita Saxena as they delve into the future of investigative journalism in India. They explore the resilience of independent investigations amid governmental pressures and the risks reporters face. The trio discusses the influence of corporate ownership on media integrity, the importance of collaborative reporting, and the urgency for funding and training to sustain impactful journalism in a rapidly changing landscape.
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Independent Investigations Hold Power Accountable
- Independent outlets produced rigorous, democracy-focused investigations that mainstream media often ignored.
- Josy Joseph credits these investigations for holding power accountable despite harassment and weak institutions.
Health Investigations Met Performative Responses
- Health reporting produced strong investigations (cough syrup, MCI) but government responses were performative.
- Rema Nagarajan notes inspections and transparency remained absent despite visible harms.
TV Pressure Forced A Ministerial Resignation
- Josy recalled a TV campaign that ran relentlessly for 20 days and forced a minister's resignation.
- He used the example to show how sustained mainstream pressure can produce political impact.
