Godi Media: Unpacking the Term and Its Context in Indian Journalism

Introduction

Godi Media, a term coined by NDTV’s Ravish Kumar, refers to media houses and personnel that are seen as overly supportive or flattering of specific political figures or parties. Often, these media entities are accused of spreading fake news and using caste and community lines to garner attention. The term has gained significant traction in recent years, often erroneously conflated with ideas related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi or BJP supporters.

However, the term Godi Media carries a contentious history and context. It is important for us to delve into the nuances of this term and understand its implications in the broader context of Indian media.

What is Godi Media?

The term Godi Media is a shorthand for media not aligned with what is perceived as a neutral or unbiased stance. According to NDTV’s Ravish Kumar, these media houses and journalists are seen as sitting in the 'lap' of powerful figures, particularly BJP and Prime Minister Modi. This term is often used to describe media outlets that are believed to be overly supportive or flatter supporters of the BJP and PM Modi.

Origins and Usage of the Term

The term is not specific to Prime Minister Modi or the BJP. Origination of the term can be traced back to 2013 when Prime Minister Modi started declining interviews from NDTV and other media houses who persisted in questioning him about the 2002 events in Gujarat. The press was later denied access to the PM's plane and other perks that were previously available.

The media houses that enjoyed these perks under previous governments, particularly Doordarshan (DD), felt neglected. They began to label their critics as the Godi Media, accusing them of supporting PM Modi. The term was also used to describe those media houses that were seen as cozy with the previous Congress government, gaining special privileges from it.

Types of Media in the Indian Context

Understanding the different types of media in India is crucial to comprehend the Godi Media concept. NDTV and other such channels have been known to enjoy special privileges and closeness with the ruling government, often leading to accusations of bias. Conversely, there is Lutyens Media, which consists of media outlets and journalists who are against the current BJP government and have historically benefited from a relationship with the Congress government.

However, the term Lutyens Media is often disputed. Some media houses and journalists prefer to call themselves 'neutral' or 'impartial.'

Critical Analysis

Critics argue that the term Godi Media is used more as a political tool to attack the BJP and its supporters. They point out that media houses and personalities are often accused of being close to the BJP without proper evidence or context. Some media houses, such as NDTV, were initially praised for bringing in fresh perspectives but have since been accused of bias.

On the other hand, supporters of the BJP and NDTV argue that these media channels should be held accountable for their biased reporting and alleged involvement in spreading misinformation.

Conclusion

The term Godi Media has become a contentious and emotive term in Indian journalism. It is crucial to examine its context and history to better understand its implications. It is important for both media houses and the public to maintain a balanced perspective while evaluating news and information.