In the world of Indian TV news, where breaking news is often more important than breaking facts, the coverage of the Kolkata doctor’s rape case has been nothing short of a masterclass in sensationalism. Anchors, who seem to have mistaken their studios for courtrooms, have turned this tragic incident into a theatrical spectacle, all in the name of “journalism.”
Meanwhile, panel discussions across networks devolved into shouting matches, where “experts” speculated wildly about the victim’s personal life, questioning her choices as if they were somehow relevant to the crime. Instead of addressing the real issues—like the safety of women or the failure of law enforcement—the focus remained firmly on salacious details that had little to do with the case.
And let’s not forget the headlines—crafted with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. “Kolkata Shocker: Doctor’s Dark Secret Exposed!” screamed one channel, while another promised an “exclusive” look into the victim’s life, offering nothing but conjecture and invasive speculation.
In this rush to sensationalize, the basic principles of journalism—like sensitivity, accuracy, and respect for the victim—were left behind. But as long as the TRPs are soaring, who cares about ethics? After all, in the world of TV news, it’s not about being right; it’s about being first.