Indian TV reporters face public backlash during anti-government protests

NEW DELHI: Growing anger against India’s mainstream television networks spilled onto the streets this week as reporters covering large youth-led demonstrations were heckled, abused and accused of favouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

The most serious incident involved Times Now reporter Dev Kotak, who was assaulted by protesters while covering a demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janata Party. Videos recorded on mobile phones showed members of the crowd attacking him while chanting “godi media”, a term commonly used for outlets viewed as supportive of the government.

Kotak said he was slapped, kicked and punched, while water bottles were also thrown at him. He added that the crowd accused mainstream channels of failing to present the protesters’ account of the demonstrations.

Hostility towards television crews intensified after police confronted tens of thousands of protesters marching towards parliament on Monday, leaving several students injured.

Reporters from several major Indian news channels were confronted during the protests, reflecting wider public distrust of mainstream television coverage. Demonstrators accused the outlets of ignoring dissent, promoting government narratives and failing to question those in power.

The Editors Guild of India condemned the mistreatment of journalists but also acknowledged that biased reporting could deepen tensions, damage public trust and weaken the media’s role in a functioning democracy.

India’s position in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index has declined considerably over the past decade. The country was ranked 157th out of 180 countries in 2026, compared with 122nd in 2010.

The media watchdog has linked the decline to violence against journalists, political polarisation and the concentration of media ownership among businesses considered close to the government.

Veteran journalist Ravish Kumar, who is credited with popularising the term “godi media”, accused mainstream outlets of becoming hostile towards democratic debate, opposition parties and ordinary citizens.

Cockroach Janata Party spokesperson Deepak Baliyan said organisers had repeatedly asked protesters not to mistreat journalists and stressed that media workers should be allowed to carry out their duties.

Media analysts warned that years of dissatisfaction with television news had pushed audiences towards independent digital platforms. They also cautioned that growing anger could place individual reporters at risk, regardless of their personal role in determining editorial policy.