Is Indian Media Free from State Control? An Appraisal

This paper argues that Indian media is state-controlled and biased in its reporting. It has become a tool in the hands of Indian government for spreading Hindutva agenda and jingoistic sentiments in people, consequently giving rise to communal riots. The paper also draws attention to the phenomenon of paid news and fake news. It discusses the increasing incidents of corruption in the Indian media industry, also highlighted by the Press Council of India (PCI). Citing some specific examples, the study contends that those media channels and journalists who refuse to toe government's line face reprisals. The paper also analyzes the coverage of Indian media vis-à-vis revocation of article 370 and 35 A of the Indian constitution; most media outlets in India described situation in the Occupied Valley as ‘normal' and Kashmiris to be ‘happy' which could not be more far from reality.