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(This story was first published on April 12, 2019. It is being republished from The Quint’s archives to mark World Press Freedom Day)
There are anchors and then there are Adarsh TV anchors. But what does the Adarsh TV anchor think, say and do that makes him stand so tall? Well, look no further.
The Adarsh TV anchor doesn’t let a strong fact come in the way of his journalism. His facts are always put through a litmus test. If the fact comes out red, then it is junked in the dustbin. If the fact emerges blue, it gets a go-ahead.
Because he is the chief guest on his own show, the Adarsh TV anchor has complete liberty to issue certificates to whoever appears on his show. Some get the ‘nationalist’ certificate. And others, he isn’t so fond of, are quickly labelled ‘anti-national’ and Tukde Tukde gang as you will see below.
He loves those labels, especially ‘ Pseudo-sickular’, ‘Lutyens Lobby’ and of course ‘Tukde Tukde’. Arrey, how else will he discredit other lesser journalists who don’t believe in his brand of news?
Because border bahut dur hai. Why go to the borders when you can wage a war on your TV screens every night?
The Adarsh TV anchor believes in blowing his own the sarkari trumpet. Exit scoops and investigative stories. Enter government congratulating itself as ‘exclusives’.
Because seven people fighting for screen time are great to cancel each other’s sound.
Move over hashtags, the Adarsh TV anchor’s astra (weapon) is the ‘bashtag’.
Not one to take chances on his relationship with the government, he makes sure he doesn’t ruffle any feathers. Rafale? Cough, cough.
Because the biggest rule in journalism is to question those in out of power. Such tough. Much wow.
And what does he do when he gets those big interviews with the powers that be? He sticks to a safe script that becomes an admiration fest which is a win-win for all!
But, will the Adarsh TV anchor show more Adarshness as India gears up for elections? The nation badly wants to know.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)
Published: 12 Apr 2019,05:22 PM IST