Media Criticism: What Indian News Channels Should Stop Doing

Ever switch channels and feel like you’re watching the same loud argument on repeat? That’s a problem. Indian news TV often chooses drama over facts, and viewers lose trust. This page focuses on concrete things channels should stop doing and practical ways to make reporting clearer, fairer, and less noisy.

Stop Playing Up Every Story as a Crisis

Not every development is a national emergency. Constant "breaking" tags and panic music train people to expect drama 24/7. When everything is urgent, nothing is. Channels should reserve the "breaking" label for genuinely new, time-sensitive events — like live natural disasters, official announcements, or on-the-ground developments. For routine updates, use clear timestamps and short summaries instead of alarms.

Sensational headlines and visuals push clicks but damage credibility. A clearer rule: ask if the headline would still fit if you removed the hype. If not, tone it down. Use calm visuals and avoid repeated slow-motion close-ups designed to provoke emotion rather than explain context.

Stop Turning Newsrooms into Debate Rings

Panel shows are useful, but when anchors shout over guests, viewers get a fight, not insight. Limit panel size to three experts and give each a short, structured slot to speak. Separate facts from opinion sections so viewers can tell when they are being informed or entertained.

Also stop using anonymous claims as facts. If a story relies on unnamed sources, label it clearly and explain what verification steps were taken. Repeating allegations without corroboration harms real people and spreads confusion.

Political scoreboards and blame games sell ads, but they erode trust. Channels should present claims from all sides, then use a quick fact-check segment to confirm or correct. Fact-checking on screen, with sources cited, builds trust faster than sensational accusation.

Visual misinformation is another issue. Edited videos, misleading graphics, and out-of-context clips create false impressions. Always show the original source or note edits. If a clip is old, label it with date and location prominently on screen.

Finally, stop blurring news and promotion. Paid content should always be labeled clearly. When political or corporate interests influence coverage, viewers deserve to know. A short on-air note about sponsorship or conflict of interest keeps things honest.

Small process changes help: a newsroom checklist for verification, a timer for "breaking" tags, trained moderators for debates, and an ombudsman column answering viewer complaints each week. These steps cost little but improve trust a lot.

If you want reliable news, demand clarity. Turn off channels that trade facts for frenzy and reward those that show restraint, verify sources, and separate opinion from reporting. Better viewing choices push channels to change faster than any regulation can.