There was a time when television anchors and major newsrooms shaped public opinion through credibility, rigorous reporting and fearless questioning. Today, many of those same platforms are struggling with a crisis far more damaging than declining viewership—they are losing the trust of the very people they once claimed to inform.

The phrase “Godi Media” did not emerge by accident. It became part of India’s political vocabulary because a growing section of the public began to perceive that some news organizations had moved away from independent journalism and towards amplifying the narrative of those in power, particularly the BJP-led government. Whether one agrees with the label or not, its widespread use reflects a deeper concern about editorial independence.

Journalism is not meant to be a public relations exercise for any government, political party or ideology. Its primary responsibility is to ask difficult questions, scrutinize those in authority and present facts without fear or favour. The moment a newsroom begins selecting facts to suit a political narrative, it stops serving the public and starts serving power.

That strategy may produce short-term rewards—exclusive access, government advertising, political patronage and soaring television ratings fueled by sensationalism. But credibility cannot be manufactured through prime-time theatrics. It is earned through years of honest reporting and impartial journalism.

The public is far more discerning than many newsrooms assume. In the digital age, people compare multiple sources, verify claims and increasingly recognize when coverage appears one-sided. Trust, once broken, is exceptionally difficult to rebuild.

This is perhaps the greatest lesson of the current media landscape.

People may tolerate bias for a while. They may even enjoy partisan programming that reinforces their beliefs. But eventually, audiences begin to question whether they are being informed—or merely persuaded.

The decline in confidence in sections of mainstream media should serve as a warning to every journalist, regardless of political leaning. The problem is not merely ideological bias; it is the abandonment of journalism itself. When news is replaced by outrage, debates become scripted performances, and inconvenient questions disappear, the institution suffers far more than any individual channel.

A healthy democracy requires a healthy press—not one that functions as an extension of the government, nor one that acts as an extension of the opposition. The role of journalism is to remain independent enough to challenge both.

History has repeatedly shown that governments come and go. Political fortunes rise and fall. But a media organization that sacrifices its credibility for proximity to power risks losing something that cannot easily be regained: public trust.

The future of journalism will not belong to the loudest voices or the most aggressive studios. It will belong to those who continue to report honestly, verify facts meticulously and speak truth to power—whoever happens to hold it.

As the old saying goes, credibility is built drop by drop and lost in buckets.

Or, as the present moment reminds us:

“What a fall. Credibility is earned over years—but can be lost in moments. When journalism becomes propaganda, people eventually stop believing the narrative.”

© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.