The Cacophony of High-Decibel Anchoring: A Critical Analysis of the Declining Credibility of Indian Television News Channels

Abstract

Presented research offers a critical analysis of the growing predominance of politics-focused news in mainstream television news channels and its impact on news diversity. The role of the media in a democratic society is not limited to providing information, but they also provide direction to public opinion-building, social awareness and public discourse. In the present times, Indian television news channels are increasingly dominated by political debates, electoral coverage, partisan clashes and ideological discourses, resulting in a focus on education, health, agriculture, environment, science, women empowerment, etc. Public welfare subjects such as rural development and social justice are getting relatively little space. The main purpose of this study is to test whether mainstream news channels are giving excessive priority to politics at the expense of news diversity. The research uses Mixed Method Research Design, which includes content analysis, comparative studies, and both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Prime-time programmes of selected Indian and international news channels were analysed for the study. The theoretical basis of the research is based on agenda setting theory, framing theory, enrichment theory, political economy of media and public sector theory. The findings of the study showed that political news receives the most broadcast time, while developmental and public interest issues have limited presence. Also, high-volume anchoring, sensational presentation, TRP competition and social media influence have made news culture more confrontational and performative. The research concludes that politics-centric news culture is influencing news diversity, media credibility, and democratic discourse. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to encourage balanced, factual, multidimensional and public interest-oriented journalism.