AllegedAlleged “Godi Media” Scam Sparks Outrage Over Misinformation’s Toll on Indian Public “Godi Media” Scam Sparks Outrage Over Misinformation’s Toll on Indian PublicNew Delhi, March 25, 2025 – A fresh controversy has erupted in India as whistleblower reports surfaced today, alleging a coordinated financial scheme between prominent media houses—often dubbed “godi media” for their perceived pro-government bias—and political entities.
Falsee news falseFfnnews
modi
The revelations, detailed in a leaked document circulating online, claim that these outlets received over ₹2,000 crore in covert funding since 2023 to push divisive narratives, raising alarm about the harmful impact on Indian citizens.The document, whose authenticity is yet to be fully verified, suggests that several major news channels and digital platforms were paid to amplify government-friendly stories while suppressing critical voices. Sources allege that this funding, funneled through obscure advertising deals and shell companies, was used to spread misinformation on issues like economic performance, farmer protests, and minority rights. Critics argue this has deepened social polarization and eroded public trust in media.“This is a scam not just of money, but of democracy itself,” said Priya Sharma, a Delhi-based activist. “When media becomes a mouthpiece, it’s the common people—farmers, workers, students—who suffer the most. They’re fed lies that pit them against each other.”The term “godi media,” meaning “lapdog media,” has long been used by opposition leaders and independent journalists to describe outlets seen as overly aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Today’s allegations point to a systematic effort, with one insider claiming that editors were given specific targets to air sensationalized stories—like unverified claims of economic growth or communal tensions—to drown out grassroots concerns.The fallout has been swift. Social media platforms buzzed with reactions, with #GodiMediaScam trending as users shared examples of alleged fake news that fueled confusion during recent crises, such as the 2024 floods in Uttar Pradesh. “My village was underwater, but the news said everything was fine. We felt abandoned,” tweeted Ravi Kumar, a farmer from Lucknow.Independent media watchdogs estimate that government advertising spending, which reportedly hit ₹1.95 crore daily in 2019-20, has only grown, giving authorities leverage over editorial content. The new claims suggest this influence has morphed into a more sinister quid pro quo. “It’s not just bias—it’s a betrayal of the public’s right to truth,” said Arjun Mehra, a former journalist turned whistleblower.Opposition parties seized the moment, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi calling for a parliamentary probe. “The BJP has turned media into a propaganda machine, and now we see the price: a divided nation,” he said in a statement. The BJP, meanwhile, dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and accused rivals of manufacturing a smear campaign ahead of upcoming state elections.The human cost is becoming clearer. Experts warn that relentless misinformation has real-world consequences—fueling hate crimes, undermining public health efforts, and leaving marginalized communities voiceless. A 2025 study by the Centre for Media Studies found that 62% of rural Indians now distrust mainstream news, relying instead on unverified WhatsApp forwards, which often amplify the same divisive narratives.As the story unfolds, pressure mounts for accountability. The Press Council of India has promised a review, but skepticism remains about its impartiality. For now, millions of Indians are left questioning who to believe in a media landscape where truth, some say, has become the biggest casualty.
Leave a Reply