India is called the “ largest democracy” in the world, India is one of the largest media markets in the world, there are 896 media channels as of 2022 in India. A healthy democracy is protected by media independence and pluralism, public opinion, and views—including criticism of those in power. The first step towards independence and freedom of choice is to monitor ownership pluralism and ensure that it is maintained. Facts are viewed and debated in society in ways that are influenced by mass media.
With the growing number of news television channels, online and offline newspapers, magazines, and, of course, live news delivered to mobile phones, the media industry in India has experienced tremendous growth. News reaches a staggering audience that is only growing by the day. However, the concentration of media ownership demonstrates that a small number of individuals control Indian media. Media pluralism and ownership structures are the focus of our investigation. This is a significant effort to improve media ownership transparency, which is essential to media credibility and audience relationships.
Although transparency appears to be primarily achievable with some effort, it is still essential to note that the ownership structures of almost all major media houses are characterized by highly complex cross-shareholdings designed to either conceal beneficial owners or to circumvent specific laws – or both. Take the example of “REPUBLIC TV”, https://www.republicworld.com this is one of the top-ranked news channels in India.
This channel was founded by Mr Arnab Goswami, the former editor-in-chief of Times Now, and Mr Chandrasekhar, an MLA of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He mainly funded this venture through his company Jupiter Capital Private Limited. The thing which astounds me the most is even though he is the sole owner of the channel and a senior journalist, he is noted for his opinionated reporting in support of the ruling party i.e BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). One of his popular shows: “Nation Wants To Know” gains the highest TRP and is known for no-holds-barred debates which are often raucous and loud. Arnab is said to reproduce government narratives without a critical eye, avoiding criticism of BJP figures, and portraying political opponents negatively.
Similarly, media freedom fears in India after BJP ally Adani launched a hostile takeover bid in the share market through his Adani Media Networks Limited (AMNL) and took over 29% of NDTV share https://www.dw.com/en/ndtv-takeover-bid-by-indias-richest-man-sparks-media-freedom-fears/a-62959561 . Also, there is a further proposal to acquire an additional 26% of the public shares to become the majority shareholder.
NDTV news channel is known for its unbiased views and opinions and is one of the very few media outlets which is always prepared to criticize Narendra Modi’s government. The BJP government that grew Adani’s empire will now have more media power to fight its critics.
The NDTV was founded in 1988 by Prannoy Roy and his wife Radhika Roy who are annoyed and dissatisfied with this takeover, their exit from the media industry, who pioneered India’s TV industry, will end with their departure. Allegedly, on 30th November 2022, all the senior journalists and the board of directors resigned as they have been unquestionably hindered and compelled to work under the apprehension about conceivable criticism activity.
Even after all these hurdles, there is an online news platform “ Logical Indian”https://thelogicalindian.com which is an independent and public-spirited digital media platform for Indians. They claim that all socially conscious citizens are based in the Logical Indian community.
They want to be a media that is accessible and democratic. They provide a forum for individuals, local communities, and non-profits to discuss issues that require or merit attention. Their main missions and aggregate endeavours have brought huge effects at strategy levels to grassroots levels. To correct something that isn’t right. Logical Indians believe that intent and conviction are more important than power and system.