Philipose Vaidyar
From Trust to Collapse
This reflection is not about all media channels—some still maintain integrity—but about the troubling trend seen in many.
From Trust to Collapse
There was a time when people in Kerala trusted whatever came from the TV
screen. The anchor’s words were treated as truth. That trust slowly eroded and
has now collapsed. Instead of informing people about national progress,
pressing issues, or real crises, much of today’s media has turned into a
weapon, targeting individuals, stoning them in the public square, and taking
satisfaction in their downfall.
A Necessary
Disclaimer
This is not a blanket statement about all media channels. There are still
professionals and institutions that uphold truth and fairness. However, the
concern here is about the majority trend that has shaped public perception and
eroded trust.
A Circus of Repetition
Kerala’s TV channels also suffer from a
strange disease: repetition. A newsreader introduces a story, then calls in
“Mr. X from the International Desk.” The so-called “international desk” often
sits in the next room, repeating the same lines. The anchor then sums it up
again, repeating everything for the third time. A video backdrop runs on a loop.
What a mockery of news! What a scarcity of real stories!
Anchors, Owners, and Agendas
Behind the flashy sets are anchors and owners
who often act like puppeteers, pushing personal or political agendas. Field
reporters who capture real stories are reduced to errand-runners for their
bosses. Ratings, not truth, is the goal. Sex scandals, rumors, murders, and
suicides become bait. If one channel runs rubbish, all others repeat it. That’s
the schedule.
The Competition of Sensationalism
Under the banner of “freedom of speech,”
Kerala’s TV media has fallen into a cutthroat ratings race. A truck falls into
a river in Karnataka—suddenly, every channel is there, running endless live
coverage, each claiming to be “first.” Meanwhile, Kerala’s own issues vanish.
Then come fake murder stories near a pilgrimage center, spread with equal energy.
Recently, a young political leader was dragged into a so-called scandal—without
evidence, without victims, only fabricated tales. Facts don’t matter. Gossip
rules.
When Debate Becomes Theatre
Instead of shaping society’s thinking, these
channels serve vested interests and cheap publicity. Their “debates” are
shouting matches with planted voices. Their “breaking news” is a rumor dressed up
as fact. They scream lies and call it freedom. This is not journalism. This is
theatre—dangerous, destructive theatre.
Credibility Lost, Credibility Found Elsewhere
Ironically, many independent YouTube
commentators today provide more reliable analysis than these media giants. Yet,
even they are mocked and smeared by the same channels that thrive on slander.
In the name of “24/7 news,” we only get endless noise, gossip, and
distortion.
The State of the Profession
For many, media is just another job—or at best, a better job. To survive in the field, anchors are willing to move from channel to channel, becoming tools in the hands of political interests or creating sensational gossip rather than presenting news, all to increase ratings and boost turnover. In this cut-throat competition, morality is forgotten, ethics bypassed, and truth and justice ignored. Some qualified people have even left stable careers to join the mini screen, chasing recognition or personal satisfaction. A few among them continue to struggle, trying to remain decent, truthful, and loyal in a space that demands compromise at every turn.When the Public Strikes Back
People are no longer silent. On Facebook and
other platforms, ordinary citizens now speak up against the endless
conspiracies and gossip that tarnish reputations. The truth is, journalism
should expose corruption, investigate scams, and challenge power. But when the
media becomes a factory of gossip and slander, it betrays its purpose. If
channels fail to see this, people will block them—on TV and on social media.
Time for Public Action
The public must act. At the very least, we can block and unsubscribe. Because these channels do not care about the poor, the
unemployed, students, or families. They are not interested in development or
truth. Every program—whether “News Hour,” “Debate,” or “Perspective”—is
designed to sensationalize garbage.
The Final Word
Kerala needs better journalism. Journalism that informs, builds, and uplifts—not the circus we see today. Kerala deserves news, not noise.
So here’s the question: Will we keep tolerating this imitation, or will we finally demand the media we deserve?
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