Indian TV news channels have steadily emerging as sensationalising, war mongering propaganda tools of the current government. The channels’ dubious reporting — from showing fake videos, pictures; name-calling and shouting during debates — has been criticised by the industry itself as well as citizens across the country.
During a protest of workers in Delhi on Sunday, March 3, Anganwadi workers pledged to boycott TV news channels that propagate lies on the direction of the current government, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and allied organisations.
Led by Shivani of Mazdoor Bigul, a workers’ rights organisation, the Anganwadi workers swore an oath to stop watching channels such as “Zee News, Republic TV and India TV”.
Shivani also said that “a media that does not show news about problems of the public is called Godi media. It’s called Modi media. And we don’t need Modi media.”
Shivani accused the channels of working to divide workers and becoming a medium for publicity of the ruling party.
The workers had assembled at Ramlila Maidan to demand their right to permanent employment and full wages.