Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy recently issued a stern warning against individuals posing as journalists and spreading offensive content about public figures. His remarks—threatening to publicly strip and parade such individuals—sparked controversy. Yet, at the core of his statement lies a pressing issue: the unchecked proliferation of dubious media practices, especially in the digital space.
With the explosion of social media and YouTube channels, self-proclaimed journalists have emerged, often stretching ethical boundaries to attract views and revenue. The lack of regulatory oversight has enabled a surge of sensationalist content, frequently straying from professional journalistic standards. While traditional media houses were once gatekeepers of credible news, today, anyone with an internet connection can masquerade as a journalist, often weaponizing misinformation for profit or influence.
The issue is exacerbated by the absence of clear guidelines governing digital media. Unlike mainstream print and television, online platforms operate in a regulatory vacuum, allowing unethical actors to thrive. Recent incidents in Telangana highlight this trend, where so-called journalists have gained notoriety—and wealth—by peddling defamatory and abusive content.
The degeneration of journalistic integrity didn’t happen overnight. The entry of electronic media, largely controlled by politicians and influential businessmen, diluted professional ethics. Over time, the situation worsened, with untrained and even illiterate individuals taking over the media space. Successive state governments failed to regulate this influx, often prioritizing political loyalty over journalistic merit when appointing key media figures.
Government accreditation, originally intended to support bona fide journalists, has become a tool of exploitation. Publications with questionable readership figures manipulate the system to obtain multiple accreditation cards, benefiting financially without maintaining a genuine workforce. Fake audit reports and political lobbying further corrupt the system, turning journalism into a business rather than a public service.
Institutions like the Press Academy, which should uphold media ethics, have largely failed in their duty. Leadership appointments, often dictated by political affiliations rather than journalistic merit, have rendered these bodies ineffective. Few exceptions, such as respected veterans like ABK Prasad or Pothuri Venkateswar Rao, stand out in an otherwise bleak scenario.
Additionally, many small publications operate without adherence to labour laws or tax regulations, engaging in plagiarism and copyright violations. Yet, these entities continue to thrive, unchecked by regulatory mechanisms.
Revanth Reddy’s frustration is understandable. His government must seize this moment to enforce long-overdue reforms. Establishing a high-powered committee—comprising ethical and independent journalists, led by a retired High Court judge—could be the first step in weeding out fake journalists. This body should be tasked with scrutinizing accreditation procedures, revoking credentials from fraudulent entities, and ensuring media professionals meet ethical standards.
Furthermore, government departments must collaborate with the Labour Department to regulate working conditions, ensuring legitimate journalists receive due recognition and protection. Small yet credible publications, often overshadowed by opportunistic media houses, should be supported through fair government advertising policies.
Revanth Reddy’s aggressive stance reflects the frustration of many who have witnessed journalism’s decline into a tool for manipulation. However, mere rhetoric will not suffice. His administration must enact tangible reforms, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
Will he have the courage to take on entrenched media interests? The answer will shape Telangana’s media landscape for years to come.
