https://countercurrents.org/2022/05/twitter-the-first-global-godi-media/
We all know by now, the all too familiar term Godi Media. A media which has been purchased by a particular economic or ideological entity either explicitly through a formal accusation or through other ways of inducement or coercion. Either way, the media identity; be it a print medium or a digital one ceases to report or analyse news in a balanced fashion. They will start propping up certain kinds of news and downplaying some other kinds of news that may be prejudicial to their owners or patrons. The emergence of the Good or Lapdog media has of course led to an unexpected but welcome development – the emergence of a parallel and mostly digital media many of which promote independent journalism.
There is a pattern that has emerged over the last few years. TV channels are prone to raise and discuss issues that show the government and the Prime Minister in a positive light. While the Prime Minister receives saturation coverage, often live, minute-by-minute coverage of him offering puja, press conferences of opposition leaders are often ignored. Anything that remotely questions the government is critical of government policies or reflects poorly on the Prime Minister is sidelined.
There is no conclusive answer on whether this pattern is by design or by default. Of course, media owners may have a disposition to a certain ideology. The Hindu for instance or the National Herald. They have had this disposition for years or even decades. But a more common explanation for this pattern is not ideological but plain economics. The government has emerged as one of the biggest advertisers in the media, much bigger than private businesses, and the media cannot afford to antagonise the piper, choosing to dance to the piper’s tunes.
by Shantanu Dutta
04/05/2022