Zee Group Chairman Subhash Chandra Faces Backlash Over Press Freedom Index Remarks
Netizens Mock Zee News Chief as Media Ethics Debate Intensifies Amidst Election Turmoil.
Chairman of Zee Group, Dr Subhash Chandra, was trolled by netizens when he spoke about India’s rank in press freedom index. Recently, on May 3rd, 2024, which marks World Press Freedom Day, Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman of Zee Network, India’s national TV network, delivered a speech that went viral on social media. This occurred due to Zee News’ poor and unethical journalistic practices over the past decade. In India, Zee News is labeled as part of the “Godi Media,” a term coined by Ravish Kumar for propaganda-based TV channels. Unfortunately, Zee News is now considered one of the top three fake news channels. Dr. Subhash Chandra’s close association with PM Modi and Zee News’ direct support of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) are widely known in India.
When the Chairman of Zee Group spoke about Press Freedom, people started mocking him. One user wrote on X, “Look who is talking about press freedom. Today, India ranks 159 out of 181 countries, largely because of individuals like you.” Another user commented, “U-Turn Of Godi Media… Now the stance of Godi media is changing.
As the Lok Sabha elections of 2024 are underway, after the second phase of elections, surveys indicate that Modi (BJP) is losing ground, with a majority of citizens favoring the INDIA Alliance (Congress and other parties). Netizens are trolling Subhash Chandra, suggesting that the moment they realize Modi is not returning to power, these fake and propaganda media houses take a U-turn.
Subhash Chandra said “I, Dr. Subhash Chandra, stand before you today on May 3, 2024. Today marks International Press Freedom Day worldwide. It’s unfortunate that India ranks 159th out of 180 countries in press freedom“.
On the other hand, Zee News’ CEO, Abhay Ojha, recently resigned. His service ended on May 4th with immediate effect. Dr. Idris Loya has taken his position. Ojha joined Zee Media as Chief Business Officer and Head of Profit and Loss in 2022 and was later promoted to CEO in 2023.
All these incidents indicate that there will soon be a significant shift in Indian politics. These are just a few signs, and gradually, more media houses are expected to change their stance.
In reality, Modi became Prime Minister largely due to fake media propaganda, with mainstream media channels like Zee News, Aaj Tak, News18, and India TV and many others supporting him. They never questioned him for any wrongdoing, and these media houses are truly responsible for the degradation of Indian democracy. They have forsaken their responsibilities and engaged in political propaganda. Now, as they witness the changing landscape, they attempt to cover up their actions. Let’s observe the drama unfold with these fake propaganda media outlets in the days to come.
