Large Part of Media Completely Compromised on Journalism's Core Values; I'm Disillusioned, Disturbed

Large sections of the media have completely compromised on the core values of journalism; I'm disillusioned, disturbed: Rajdeep Sardesai to Karan Thapar for The Wire.

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In a tour d’horizon interview, where he addresses a series of wide-ranging questions that often occur to people but which they themselves find difficult to answer adequately, one of the most heartfelt responses from Rajdeep Sardesai came when he was talking about the state of the media today and whether he is disillusioned with it. The well-known and famous television anchor said “large sections of the media have completely compromised on the core values of the profession” adding “I’m disillusioned, disturbed”. At the end of the interview, Mr. Sardesai raised the issue again and this time specifically spoke about young independent small media house journalists who have been raided, their phones and laptops taken, often not returned, and harassed. “I hope someone consistently speaks up for them because they are the ones who deserve all the support they can get.” He added “that leaves me disillusioned and at times feeling almost helpless.”



In the interview, Mr. Sardesai answers questions about Prime Minister Modi’s incredible popularity, the attributes that underlie his appeal, the dominance of the BJP and the fact that it often wins elections it’s expected to lose, why Congress, even in 2024, has performed so poorly, is Rahul Gandhi cut out to be a politician, does he have a problem expressing what he wants to say and Mamata Banerjee’s incredible hold on Bengal.



Broadening beyond political parties and politicians, Mr. Sardesai also addresses issues such as has India become a country where Muslims are looked down upon and treated as second class citizens, are the vast majority of our countrymen troubled by the increasing instances of bulldozer justice, accusations of love jihad, cattle lynching and hate speech, about the Election Commission and EVMs, about institutions and whether they are getting politicized, about Justice Chandrachud and how he assesses him and, finally, whether it’s time for parliament to hold a minimum number of sittings each year in a major South Indian city to help bridge the North-South gap that worries many people.



Mr. Sardesai’s answers are rich and fruitful, gripping and very honest, and always illuminating. I don’t want to steal his thunder by paraphrasing or précising what he has said. So I will leave you to watch the interview to find out for yourself.

[rajeevdevarajan]

I really find this only a crocodile tear! Rajdeep is also one of the beneficiaries of the current political environment in the current than when congress was ruling in the past. Last 15 mins of this interview focuses on the 2 most grave issues the country is facing - Media & Judiciary which Rajdeep covered up in my opinion.

[srebalanandasivam]

Rajdeep is selling his book, Karan is helping him

[anp]

I am surprised and puzzled by the fact that rajdeep has been able to say, despite he working himself for lapdog media....kudos...lets see what repercussion he faces-if any-for sure.

[AvinashChaudhary-piqk]

Very honest review. I as an eighty year man l have lost trust in EC, ED, SUPREME COART snd secular credentials of the govt, in which I believe.

[s.m.p.]

Mr. Sardesai has not done much himself to preserve the golden standards of journalism for which he's lamenting...

[TheSheKitty]

If Rahul Gandhi is not able to do as much as you think he should, blame yourselves Media 🙄🙄🙄

[amareshroy]

Pillars of democracy as impartial judiciary, impartial journalists, are now vanished in blues.

[Sudama]

So much Eulogy for Modi, this is how he has sustained India today news channel. Rajdeep himself is biggest lapdog media conversion 180 degrees, probably he has lost hope that non-BJP will ever come to power but soon once situation arises and things go out of control like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, people will come out on streets and march and throw away the government. People are already fed up with non-delivery of Modi government. With this government only promises are big but delivery is zero.

[AjayReddy-thyx]

Rajdeep Sardesai you’ve deeply missed the biggest point that when there is no level playing field and the bureaucracy acts as machinery for the government when there are no morals no ethics no integrity no respect no dignity left no party can survive.

[freddy]

I am saddened by the state we are in. Indian middle class can't see beyond their nose and are selfish. They are blinded by the showmanship of the party in power

[positivetruth]

Thanks Rajdeep for your support to small media houses at the end..

[rocketsinghism]

That's why I've left watching news channels, including India TV!!!

[rosalinedsouza]

Even if people decide to teach this government a lesson, our Election Commission and EVM gives them victory and they are taking the country towards dictatorship.

[srinivasraob]

Oppostion has not having money and Power. No institutions support. No level field

[JatinderPhoolka]

Rajdeep superb analysis by you.Your narration is tough and very clear.An excellent interview as always.

[SuhridDas-ugiu]

Sardesai Sir's narrative is avoiding the power of money, power of misusing administrative Institutions and the RSS factors.

[shabirahmed]

Great job hat's off for your bold analysis highlighting the role of media & journalism

[dilbaghsingh]

The day the congress party vanishes from the scene of this country, India will not remain India as such . We are proud of this country and are proud of leadership that laid the strong leadership with strong foundation in 1947 after they fought in the freedom struggle movement and those talking tall today are talking taking shelter of hollow slogans and doing nothing except harming this country in many ways.

[rajanbabu]

Salute you both sirs ....❤❤❤ Congratulations to you both for straightforwardness and standing for truth. ❤❤❤

[lalitkumar-unpr]

Great to have Rajdeep get back his conscience. Restores my faith in the man. Better late than never.