Journalist and satirist Manisha Pande joins Amit Varma to talk about the state of journalism in India, discussing the challenges faced by journalists, the lack of regulations for influencers, and the impact of sensationalized news coverage. They also touch on the power of visuals in news reporting, the future of journalism in India, and the importance of authenticity in news reporting.
Learning from experienced mentors and editors shaped the speaker's approach to journalism and understanding of the craft.
Questioning industry practices and seeking transparency and critical analysis in journalism led the speaker to organizations like News Laundry.
Learning the art of editing improves writing skills, teaches brevity, and respects the audience's time.
Transitioning from writing for text to video content requires unlearning and adapting to new storytelling techniques.
Television news has become sensationalized, divisive, and lacks objectivity, focusing on promoting extreme narratives and conspiracy theories.
The decline of ethical journalism and rise of sensationalism create challenges for journalists, but there is still a need for factual and unbiased reporting.
Deep dives
Early passion for writing and journalism
During her early years, the speaker developed a passion for writing and journalism. Initially, she fancied herself as a writer and chose journalism as a way to pursue her love for writing. She enjoyed typing and had a natural talent for speaking with people, making friends easily. In journalism school, she learned the basics of writing and editing, but most of her learning came from her experiences in the industry.
Importance of mentors and editors
The speaker had the opportunity to work with mentors and editors who played a crucial role in her development as a journalist. Kanika Datta, the editor at Business Standard, taught her the importance of language, brevity, and accuracy in writing. She also learned from her editors the significance of editing and the role it plays in making a story come alive. The experience of working with dedicated professionals shaped her approach to journalism and influenced her understanding of the craft.
Realizing the need for conversations about journalism
Working in newsrooms like DNA made the speaker realize the importance of discussing and analyzing the role of journalists and media organizations. Witnessing the lack of space for journalist stories and the emphasis on promoting certain narratives, she began to question the industry's practices. This realization led her to seek out organizations like News Laundry that were passionate about bringing transparency and critical analysis to the journalism industry.
Importance of Editing in Writing
Learning how to edit improves writing skills as it helps identify and fix errors. Reporters who learn to edit can learn from the changes made to their work, improving their writing abilities. Editing also teaches brevity and the importance of respecting the audience's time.
Challenges of Transitioning from Writing to Visual Medium
The transition from writing for paper/text to creating content for the visual medium has its challenges. Writing for video requires unlearning writing techniques and adapting to a different kind of storytelling. While it offers new opportunities, it can also lead to feeling underconfident in writing, as focusing on video becomes the primary mode of communication.
The Purpose and Impact of Editing in Journalism
Editing in journalism serves a vital role in language, brevity, and respecting the audience's time. Journalists learn the importance of grabbing readers' attention, crafting impactful stories, and making every sentence count. However, the constant critical mindset that comes with editing can sometimes hinder confidence in one's own writing.
Sensationalism and Hatred in Television News
Television news has become increasingly sensationalized and filled with hatred. Anchors and journalists resort to extreme narratives and conspiracy theories to cater to the audience's desire for sensational content. There is a focus on dividing people and spreading mistrust, particularly against minorities. This form of journalism lacks objectivity and does not prioritize factual reporting. The pursuit of virality and clickbait has led to a degradation of journalistic standards, with false information and lies being promoted as news. Many anchors have developed a persona that is driven by sensationalism and hatred, blurring the line between reality and performance. This trend has created a toxic and divisive media landscape.
The Decline of Ethical Journalism
Television news channels prioritize profit and viewership over ethical journalism. There is a lack of accountability and responsibility towards reporting the truth. The quest for TRP ratings and increased viewership has resulted in the spread of false information and the manipulation of facts. Sensationalism and unethical practices, such as sting operations, have become commonplace. Journalists often face dilemmas about how much they should push the boundaries of ethics in order to attract attention. The outrage cycle and the demand for sensational stories on social media further exacerbate this decline in ethical journalism.
The Impact on Journalism and Journalists
The decline of ethical journalism and the rise of sensationalism have created a challenging environment for journalists. Those who strive to report objectively and responsibly often face difficulties within newsrooms that prioritize sensationalism and divisive narratives. The pressure to conform to the prevailing ideologies and narratives can be stifling for journalists who seek to report the truth. The toxic media landscape also puts their safety and well-being at risk, as hatred and misinformation can lead to personal attacks and threats. Despite these challenges, there is still a need for journalists who are committed to upholding the principles of ethical journalism and providing factual and unbiased reporting.
Challenges Faced by News Laundry and Importance of Adapting
News Laundry has faced challenges throughout its journey, starting with being a small organization incubated by another company. As a startup, they constantly had to give their best to stay afloat. They chose a different financial model by relying on subscriptions instead of advertisements, which was unconventional at the time. There were doubts and skepticism about whether people would pay for news, but News Laundry persevered and now has a strong subscriber base. The organization prioritizes authenticity and freedom in their newsroom, allowing open discussions and arguments. They also emphasize the importance of engaging with their audience and respecting their opinions.
The Power of Video and Importance of Authenticity in Journalism
The podcast episode discusses the learnings acquired from video production and its impact on journalism. One of the key insights is the importance of authenticity in visual storytelling. News reporters should speak naturally and avoid affected tones or exaggerated gestures. The power of video lies in presenting information in a way that connects with the audience on a personal level, creating a sense of intimacy. Authenticity builds trust and engagement with the viewers. The episode also highlights the need for journalists to adapt to the changing media landscape, where influencers and content creators are gaining prominence. The worst-case scenario for journalism is the irrelevance caused by the unwillingness to adapt, as people turn to alternative sources for information.
