Why Indian Media Ranking is Low – A Reality Check Through Rahul Gandhi’s Encounter with the Media

India’s press freedom ranking has consistently dropped over the years, and one cannot help but ask — why is the Indian media ranking so low? A recent incident involving Rahul Gandhi gives us a glimpse into the underlying issues plaguing mainstream media in the country.

The Incident: Rahul Gandhi vs. the Media

Recently, as Rahul Gandhi was seen exiting a location, a crowd of media personnel rushed toward him, hurling questions mostly related to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Instead of responding, Rahul Gandhi simply ignored the chaos and stepped into his car.

What happened next was quite telling — and perhaps symbolic of the current state of Indian media. As the media shouted questions, trying to provoke a reaction, a young woman approached Rahul Gandhi near his vehicle and asked for a selfie. To everyone’s surprise, Rahul smiled warmly and took a selfie with her, completely ignoring the reporters standing just a few feet away.

pic.twitter.com/lVmyOA2O9g

— Alak Paul (@AlakPaul13) April 16, 2025

This small but powerful gesture highlighted something deeper: the growing disconnect between public figures and the Indian media.

Media’s Loss of Credibility

The decline in respect toward the media isn’t new, and it isn’t without reason. Over the past few years, a significant section of the media has been criticized for acting more like a propaganda machine than a free press. Constantly targeting certain individuals, running biased campaigns, and promoting sensationalism over substance have eroded public trust.

When someone is defamed 24/7, as Rahul Gandhi has been in various channels, it’s only natural that the individual chooses to ignore the press. The media, which is supposed to ask questions to those in power, often ends up chasing drama and controversy for TRPs. This hunger for quick money and fame has turned journalism into a business rather than a pillar of democracy.

The Role of “Godi Media”

The term “Godi Media” has become popular in India to describe media houses that are perceived to be overly loyal to the ruling government. Instead of playing the role of watchdogs, many journalists have become cheerleaders. This lack of independence and objectivity has been a key reason for India’s declining media reputation on the global stage.

Not just that, certain journalists have become infamous for their antics on live television. From shouting matches to biased panel discussions, many viewers have started seeing news debates as more of a circus than a serious platform for public discourse.

The Public’s Changing Perception

People are not blind. The audience is becoming more aware of the tactics used by several media houses. As social media platforms rise and independent journalism finds new avenues online, mainstream media is losing its grip.

कहां गई 56 इंच की छाती pic.twitter.com/2ujdSizjy1

— 🇮🇳 Words_Verses_&_Tea ☕ (@Cha_smosa_jlebi) April 16, 2025

Take the example of news anchors who once ruled prime time — from Manak Gupta to Anjana Om Kashyap and Rubika Liyaquat — their credibility has taken a hit in recent years. Many of these journalists have been involved in controversies or seen as biased, which has led to a sharp drop in public trust.

ED वाले मामले में मीडिया वालों को बेहतरीन जवाब दिया ~ राहुल गांधी pic.twitter.com/kaFP9m3RQ0

— मुद्दों की मंडली (@Mandli4muddha) April 17, 2025

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Indian Journalism

The Rahul Gandhi incident is not just about a selfie or ignoring a question — it’s a metaphor for how the Indian media has distanced itself from truth and integrity. The blame for India’s low media ranking lies not with the audience or politicians, but with the media itself.

When journalism becomes more about sensationalism and less about truth, it loses its power. Until media houses return to honest, balanced reporting, this downfall will only continue. It’s high time the media introspects, reforms, and regains the trust it has lost.