‘Indian media houses must go global to realise goal of Viksit Bharat’

 

 

Participating in the first ever ‘Media Conclave’ organised here by the IIM Nagpur on Sunday, representatives of the country's leading media houses highlighted various factors that could pave the way for Viksit Bharat by 2047. In a panel discussion, Anuj Singhal, Managing Editor, CNBC Awaaz; Rakesh Khar, Editor, English Cluster, TV9 Network; Pratap Somvanshi, Managing Editor, Hindustan Hindi Daily; and Neeraj Thakur, Editor, Outlook Business; jointly felt that trust and credibility; dynamic media ecosystem in the country, and global presence of Indian media houses will together realize the dream of making India developed by 2047. Prof. Dr Prashant Gupta, Dean Adcademics, moderated the panel discussion. Highlighting the strategic role of the media as a catalyst in realising a ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’, Neeraj Thakur said Indian media houses must expand their presence abroad.

 

“They must have a global presence with utmost credibility. This will shape our country’s global image as a modern country using innovation and technology in a big way to boost growth and development,” he added. However, he also pointed out that the task of taking the country’s media house across the borders would need huge investments. “India is the fastest growing economy in the world which needs to continue its high growth trajectory on a sustainable basis. There will always be a threat to derail this growth by western media houses that set their own narratives to sway public opinion, especially during elections,” he said. “Earlier, the western media had set a narrative that we should open our economy. Since India has embraced globalisation, we are growing from an emerging economy to becoming a developed nation. This growth may not be liked by some countries.

 

With a shift in geopolitical power one of our closest allies the US has imposed trade tariffs on us. Now, western media may set a new narrative that India should not buy oil from Russia,” he pointed out. Thakur said, “Indian media houses must conduct in-depth research, practice responsible, fair, and balanced journalism that is trusted for its content.” Anuj Singhal said that journalists must remember to provide accurate, precise and verified news to maintain trust amidst multiple digital platforms. Indian media has always addressed challenges and opportunities in a balanced manner. A journalist should always be a nationalist and provide content to motivate masses to understand larger issues and bring about a change in society. Apart from this, he spoke about tax reforms that are needed in the country to ignite new opportunities for progress. He suggests that the Government should lower taxes and provide relief to the people due to the high cost of living. Pratap Somvanshi explained that journalists must maintain trust and credibility in the era of technology driven by social media platforms. Social media has posed challenges for other media verticals like TV and print media. Journalists should make efforts to verify content to build trust among the people. Rakesh Khar said that the Indian media has played an important role in transforming society. A robust and dynamic media ecosystem is essential for realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Media should be consensus builders and work to bring out change in society. “Indian media needs global exposure and its own voice to bring narratives that work for India’s growth and development,” he stated. In another panel discussion on the topic, ‘Media Empowering communities and Enterprises, panelists including Shailesh Pande, Chief Editor, Tarun Bharat; Manikant Soni, Editor Dainik Bhaskar; and Partha Maitra, Resident Editor, Times of India, Nagpur; expressed their views on the topic. Prof. Yatish Joshi, Chairperson – Brand and Media, IIM Nagpur, moderated the panel discussion.