Some Things I’ve learned about Indian Media
First a caveat, this is in no way a scientific or well-researched commentary on the state of the Indian media. This is a post based on what I’ve heard from Indians, Indian media professionals, and what I’ve experienced firsthand after living in India for one month.
During my first week here I met VK Shashikumar from newsX and we discussed the state of Indian media, as well as how the national “stringer network” works with most national TV news outlets. First of all, his contention, supported by several other Indians I’ve met, is that some 70-75% of the news cycle is dedicated to Delhi/northern India-centric stories.
The stories that are not Delhi-centric are provided via a stringer network throughout India. The reality of this network is that it is primarily Brahmins, which means the majority of India is not represented properly, due to the caste/class system in India. Furthermore, these stringers are tasked primarily with selling subscriptions and advertising, which is clearly a conflict of interest with their role as “independent journalist.”
It is in this climate that Video Volunteers will endeavor to create a network of “community producers” activists turned journalists who will be producing stories from their communities about life in India. The focus will be on life and issues that affect these communities directly, but with an attempt to frame the content for an international audience.
I feel we can say that Vividh will be the first “truly” national news agency because our focus is on telling the stories of *all* Indians, not only the privileged Indians, Brahmins, or Indians considered to be important or whose stories are easy to sell advertisements against. If we can produce stories from a local context, that have watchability, I think our success is assured.