During the Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi made himself accessible to reporters, particularly television interviewers. Now he has gone back to his original manner, which is to communicate through social media and speeches, not interviews and press conferences.
The only journalist he has given time to after taking office was CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, producing a soft interview aimed mainly at introducing India’s leader to the world.
Now, the Editors Guild of India, a mostly dormant body that is controlled by proprietors rather than professional editors, feels sufficiently alarmed to have complained about Modi’s insularity. In a statement this week, it said there was a “certain deficit in transparency in the functioning of the government.”
The Guild said that “by delaying the establishment of a media inter-face in the Prime Minister’s Office, in restricting access to ministers and bureaucrats in offices and in reducing the flow of information at home and abroad, the government in its early days seems to be on a path that runs counter to the norms of democratic discourse and accountability”.
Things have been moving in this direction for some time now. The website Scroll.in reported as early as June that “one of the facts that went largely unremarked about Modi’s meeting with senior bureaucrats was that he instructed them to keep away from media”. The PM had also “asked his cabinet colleagues to refrain from speaking to the journalists and instead letting official government spokespersons do the talking on their behalf.”
This was “the first serious step to turn New Delhi into Gandhinagar, where during Modi’s three terms as chief minister, members of his cabinet would not speak to the press unless they had obtained permission from him. Even the customary press briefings after the state cabinet meetings — which in other states are addressed by ministers — are either not held at all in Gujarat or are addressed by spokesmen of the state government.”
When Modi feels the need to say something, he tweets it or makes a speech. The Guild says that this is not good enough: “A top-down, one-way interaction in a country with limited internet connectivity and technological awareness cannot be the only answer for large masses of readers, viewers, surfers and listeners. Debate, dialogue and discussion are the essential ingredients of a democratic discourse.”
This is true, of course, but the history is that Modi rarely gave access even to the Gujarati media for formal interaction in his years as chief minister. However, this was not the case before the riots. He became insular later, and shut out the national media after the episode on Karan Thapar’s show where he walked off midway, offended by the line of questioning.
After the riots, Modi’s relationship with the media became adversarial for the most part. The largest circulated newspaper in that state, Gujarat Samachar, he has long disliked. The state government once produced an unusual response to it, a newspaper of its own called Gujarat Satya Samachar, which it delivered free to all homes. It was a pamphlet highlighting Modi’s achievements, which he felt that the newspapers had not focused on.
One way that Modi has sidelined the mainstream media is by building a phenomenal internet presence. Modi has a team of 2,000 people who manage his social media, led by a man called Hiren Joshi. Modi has probably the most effective social media propaganda network outside of the Chinese government. However, it must also be said that it is not just the forcing of information down unwilling throats. He is attractive to youngsters, especially those who are in the middle class, and he connects with them well.
He gave access to most networks during the campaign because he needed them, but he now believes he doesn’t and he is quite right in thinking this. He is a gifted speaker and can reach his audience directly, over the heads of the media. This is unlike other leaders who are not usually covered live or in full and must necessarily go through the media.
Reporters will need to speak to those around him to figure out what’s going on. It will not be easy.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (34)
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Some very connected people have mentioned that Modi is as much afraid of English media as much elephant is afraid of getting raped by a Mouse. These experts are convinced of this Pucca truth as they have lived among rats for long and know their physical and intellectual prowess.
In the run-up to the elections, during the 1-on-1 interviews, TV anchors often asked questions that would begin with - that UPA leader that ...fill in the blanks...what is your response to that? Then, Modi would cite statistics - figures from the central govt. agencies to prove that his position was indeed accurate. He would add, pointedly towards the anchor - that you should go and do the research before blindly accepting what a UPA leader said. And the tough questions should have been asked of the UPA leaders who weremaking mindless comments. Funny, that anchor after anchor followed the same script - ask questions from the talking points of UPA, get ribbed and crushed with facts from Modi - to a common viewer, it became plenty obvious that the bloviators in the Indian media are lazy, lazy, lazy to the core. They could have easily verified the UPA claims to be false as all the data was available in public domain - and not wait to be pointed out by Modi. Unless, entire media conspired to make Modi look good by asking questions so stupid and get royally screwed by his response. Either way, Modi understands that until media learns to get off it's cushy chairs, do some digging, get real data and ask meaningful, solid questions - there's no point in answering UPA's talking points that media is going raise. So, the key message here is - media, get your act together and see how Modi will start doling out the privilege of talking to you. Until then - you can keep complaining.
Media is a playground of competing ideologies. The media players protect their hard-won turfs and victories. They ruthlessly ward of challenges from competing ideologies. After a while, media players become part of the political establishment and acquire vested interest in maintaining status quo, advancing only its ideological agenda, and waging propaganda wars on challengers. It leads to less than constructive discourse and corrupt bottlenecks and vested status quo. It has held India back for last 50 years. Why would any sane leader seeking to transform India ride this pony? They are free to become irrelevant. Nobody is censoring them or preventing them from becoming relevant.
Modi is not afraid of Media but the treatment of media to him was bad for all this years. Media has lied on the issues, media try prove him guilty on 2002 riots, and try paint him ugly on the issues. It is modern social media which gave him justice.
The Editor's guild should ask the question themselves why they are not entertained by Modi. who were paying hid to their investors of the inverstors of foreign origin. Indian media has lost their total sense, As long as Hindu interes come in the nation they practice pseudo secular roll!. Evey thing being said by any one in the interst of majority population is readily labeled as communal! Media has created conspiracy against the majoriy of the country. When Modi talk of progress and development while media is talking and playing communalism. People realized that stop paying attention to what media is writting or showing on TV. and did not care for what media has to say! Modi realized that fact that people don't care aobout Media, why should he care either?
Negativism is part of Media and their masters strategy, even now talking of the transperancy the editor's guild is taking shot at Modi! A Gujarti proverb say one about Patan Saris....color may fed but print remain!
@ Aisha, Madagascar educated women like you cant understand Modi and the Indian media. So go and service the ISIS goons and reach paradise!
@Np: PM has this trait of hogging limelight even on social media. All his cabinet ministers have been instructed to keep their mouth shut..not to give any interview or talk on govt policies to media without his OK. Also, let us accept , in India, the readership and viewership of Print and TV far exceeds digital media like Twitters, etc due to poor internet penetration. Print and TV media has greater influence than other forms in India. Hence, if Central government puts ban on Cabinet Ministers to share or discuss policies etc with Media, how will India know or debate??? This dictatorial attitude of modi needs to be condemned. None of Resident Indians are agaisnt Print or TV media. NRIs may have some other view... generally Indian media have been fair and critical of all Political parties..including BJP/ RSS/ Bajrang Dal!! One can always choose to pick media when they write which is a fact , but not palatable. Free media ( including Print) is one of reasons for Indian society to remain Free, Secular , Liberal . India doesnt need paid media houses or biased media centres like India TV, Zee group, India Today group..etc !!
Aakar Patel, the days of media ruling the country is over. Indian media was only interested to return the favors they received from the previous regime. Majority of Indians are aware of this fact. Why is media interested to know what is going on inside? Have you forgotten the role of broker played by certain journalists at the time of 2009 UPA government? Have you forgotten how certain journalists formed a part of the coterie of one political party and spitting venom on Modi and BJP? We now know the reason why these played their dirty games when UPA was in power. They were fully aware such journalists will put in their places if Modi comes to power and this is what is happening now. Aakar, journalism is a noble profession but certain journalists have thrown the ethics of this profession into the wind and that is why even good journalists' integrity is being question. Those involved in shoddy deals should be identified and thrown out then only will this professional will regain its lost glory. As for Modi, being a good communicator he can directly communicate with people and people are comfortable with it. The journalists are interested in creating sensation which is of least public interest.
@Resident Indian: He has not imposed any censorship on media to throttle dissent. They are free to write what they want and say what they want. Free media however does not mean unbiased media. There is no reason for Modi to subject himself to rudeness and nastiness from these people who are unwilling to give up their preconceived notions and have repeatedly distorted what he said in the past.
He is elected by the people, accountable to them and communicates with them directly. Nor is it a one way communication. Anyone who has gone to myov.nic.in knows that people are giving lot of suggestions and feedback to the government.
Modi is great , Indian Media is free. wow wow , Good jokes
Media in India is most free among all neighbouring countries, since 1947. Hence, any one making tall claims of Modi , needs instrospection. Modi clearly exhibits lack of guts and vision. His shying away from free media reinforces thought that Modi is afraid of debate, dissent.
In India, the media is intellectually bankrupt and politically partisan and morally corrupt - it has helped spawn most corrupt political establishment and chased away the honest. In India, voter-base is ignorant, confused, unfocused and unenlightened, and it is very much a product of media and a reflection of state of media. Indian media has held India and India progress back. I think. India, people and polity needs a well-deserved divorce from such media. Why should government patronize such corrupt media when government can directly communicate with people? Media of course remains free to offer its discussion of ideas of people and policies of government - but it does not need to enjoy government-insider status nor monopoly on opinion-making.
Media need to do a little bit introspection about themselves and ask the question to themselves if at all what they said above is true.
What the media has dons for last 12 years to Modi. If it was left to these Pak and China controlled media, they would have hanged Modi innumerable times...and in fact they did it. Show me another Indian politician since Independence who has been court marshaled by media this many times!!!! Media should thank Modi that they are not getting back what they did to him. Media did not criticize even Indira Ghandhi who had done so much harm to them....but they have not left a stone unturned to destroy Modi and now that Modi has found a wayy to get around them and is able to speak directly to the masses, these same pak and china controlled media is complaining!!!!
A true Indian
Dipak@javed Iqbal: Speak for Nawaz, not for Modi. Modi is the greatest PM in 67 years.
Modi & Nawaz Sharif both avoid media, press conferences because both are mediocre leaders having no vision/ statesmanship. Both are lairs, taking advantage of incompetent ruling elites of Congress & PPP. How unfortunate the masses of Sub Continent
a lot of common between present Indian & Pakistani rulers. shying to face media, avoiding press conferences
Modi is not afraid of the media. He wants to keep them at bay and in not ready to supply grist to their mill. The media are only looking for a word, a phrase, a stray remark to blow out of proportion to boot their rating. I have stopped viewing most of the English news channels in India for the simple reason that they are making mountains of mole hills. For instance, Arnab of Times of India rarely allows a participant to make his point without interrupting him or her. It is good that Mr Modi keeps such media starved of anything potentially controversial. He knows what he is saying and doing. I like him to remain that way.
let an honest journalist tells us what biased arrogance journalists have done to force Modi to avoid journalists. self criticism is crucial. how many newspapers are biased against hindu leaders?
Media, newspapers, are a business.
They use " news'" written by them, to generate cash from Advertising.
Why would such a business think it has a God Given divine right to access to whom ever the business wants.
Times too have changed.
Communication is now increasing done through others meas, internet for example.
Newspapers are declining in readership and losing their previous influence!!!
mr. Aakar Patel,
Exactly how many times did Manmohan Singh (that paragon of all virtues according to Indian MSM) communicated with press?? Or how many times has Gandhi family allowed itself to be grilled by press?
And why do you think talking to press is two way communication?? We have had folks who conducted such lollipop interviews with Priyanka Gandhi that even her own PR dept would have felt incompetent!!
Come off it. We all know where Modi is going or what he is doing. That is enough of communication. Not the heat generated by screaming journalists, who bayed for Modi's blood for a decade.
@Rangoonwala: "Malayam" ??? What is that ??? In ur quest to drop in ur 2 cents, u might have overlooked a few things urself. Also, when u say "Not to mention that when you hold press conferences you are obligated to answer all questions.", u as a journalist reserve the right to ask a Q, I have the right to: a) answer the Q b) refuse to answer c) walk away from the interview(he's done it twice n got slammed for it)
Modi continues to behave as an autocratic leader, All his cabinet ministers have been shredded and downsized to bonsai.Like overarching structure , modi overshadows all the ministers and other BJP leaders.None of cabinet ministers have spine to stand-up to hukkums of modi. dictates goes beyond normal policy making..even to dress worn by cabinet ministers. Jawadekar was asked to change his clothes as he was going abroad on official engagement after modi was alerted by his secret agents about Jawadekar wearing jeans and T shirt for flight!!! With such tight leash on cabinet ministers...how can Media be allowed to come close to Government functioning. Online media used by modi ..like twitters etc are ONE WAY communications. Monologues can be lapped by die-hard supporters of modi, but others who want rational, independent debate or discussions are left high and dry. modi hates to be under scrutiny of any kind. He is intolerant to diverse views. modi can never face Press conference in USA or anywhere else. Madison Square etc can be lots of Hype..but no substance!!
Editors Guild is actually a group of English Print media who don't have any reach to general public but project that they represent popular voice. Their claim that social medai communication is not good enogh because Internet penetration is less. On the other hand the reality is that the circulation of these english daily is even less than the internet penetration,
Media is big business. They need news (which they spice it up) to survive, compete and grow. Modi calls them 'news traders'. It may, however, be true that Modi doesn't feed media's business needs!
Media deserves a snub now & then. Indira was imperious; Sonia impervious. Modi treats the lot as pariahs. That said, IMO:-Modi can provide answers but that doesn't mean he likes questions, let alone being questioned. Modi is a speech maker. Not one to like an interlocutor. He is an orator. Not one to tackle an interrogator. He can face direct examination. He is poor in facing cross-examination. Press conference or a tough interviewer will unnerve him or make him angry in no time. Like Jayalalita he would rather stage a walk out than face uncomfortable questions.
While as Prime Minister, Mr. Modi is obliged to communicate to us members of the Indian electorate, he is not obliged to communicate via a channel that enriches individuals who are media entrepreneurs. I thus say Bravo Prime Minister Modi for communicating directly to us members of the Indian electorate. I do not need the media to act as the Mullah between me and the Gods. Indeed I have always preferred to seek out “official” sources such as the Press Information Bureau for what my Prime Minister is saying rather than rely on interpretation and selective reporting of newspapers.
Further Prime Minister Modi for all his alleged “insularity” is positively loquacious in communication in comparison with our previous Prime Minister, who I do not need to add was saddled with the unflattering name Maun Mohan Singh for his silences.
My message to the Indian Media, get off your high horse and stow away the holier than thou attitude; the Indian electorate does not consider the media as the paragons of virtue that the media thinks it is.
People in media should realize that they don't have the God given right to a reply, it is a privilege. Nobody died and made you Pope!
I'm speaking from India. I don't feel there is lack of transparency in today's administration. Mr. PM makes us informed about his Govt. and addresses queries made. Unfortunately most media intellectuals in India are biased with fixed mindset. On the top, they love to put themselves at self made high platform very far from reality and common man. If they feel isolated then that's of their make only.
Modi was "traumatised" (for lack of a better word) by media to accept and apologise. He was rarely if ever allowed to make his point post the unfortunate riots. This is what one would term as management by media - irrespective of whether it was of their own accord or at the behest of vicious interests.
Modi not only survived that, he has emerged from that period as a leader with unshakeable conviction and drive.
The manner in which he handles media today, in my opinion is him managing media instead of getting managed by them.
The goal of media should be to present unbiased facts. Opinions need to be called out and presented separately. Unfortunately we have all see instances where facts can get biased and are at times not dug through completely. in such an unfortunate situation, I believe tha Modi has redefined the modus operandi and prepared the world for the road ahead.
Twitter, Facebook and blogs offer a direct communication to the world. It comes with its share of responsibility as the world too communicates back. Only a man of steel can lead an open life at these places and quite rightly Modi continues to grow in a manner which puzzles the conventional world which still depends on conventional media.
Modi is not afraid of the media, as testified by his recent interview with CNN ... he however has taken away the privileges of the Indian media which crossed all limits of unprofessional, unethical, and partisan behaviour ... vilified and demonized Modi for over a decade ... the table has turned on them and they must learn to live with the reality ...
For 12 years you and majority of English media tried to defame, abused and malign him. Now you can not blame him if he avoids you. Mindi you, he is not doing what you people did to him for 12 years. He is only keeping you at arms length.
Modi is afraid of the Media. There are too many skeletons in the closets. And bodies buried in the basement. Transparency in govt. will not happen during Modi's tenure. Very similar to Dubya. 'I have the mandate of the people' And the very famous 'You are with us or against us.' just translate that into...Hindi?..Gujerati?.. no wait,... Malayam? Apart from the fact that Modi is not very glib, does not have political wherewithal or savvy. Not to mention that when you hold press conferences you are obligated to answer all questions. Including about all the broken election promises. And the very very thorny questions about why Jammu and Kashmir are not being helped during their severe dire needs. Which of course refers to the flood devastation in JK. Back to square one, and the erstwhile question: why is the response to help Kashmiris so pathetic and barely there? What awful sin did the Kashmiris commit?
No middle man woman or whatever.
Modi s cutting middleman manipulation of information.
This is new age.
News Papers TV are good & bad.
In West Jews totally control media.
In Bharat, English Speaking Media is the thing. Controls what Hindus should hear from these Dynasty and Judea Christian Islam favored news. Detrimental to Hindus media.
Modi knows it and hence protecting Hindus in Hindusthan.