Key facts
- Indian television reporter Dev Kotak was physically assaulted by protesters.
- Protesters chanted 'godi (lapdog) media' and accused mainstream channels of being pro-government.
- India's ranking in the Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index has fallen significantly.
- The term 'godi media' is used to describe outlets perceived as lacking government scrutiny.
- Distrust in mainstream media has led to a rise in independent online platforms.
Indian television reporter Dev Kotak was physically assaulted by dozens of protesters demonstrating against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, highlighting a growing anger towards media outlets perceived as pro-government. Amid chants of 'godi (lapdog) media,' Kotak was heckled, slapped, kicked, and punched, fearing for his life.
The hostility towards reporters reflects a broader debate over declining media freedom in India since Modi took office in 2014. India's ranking in the Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index has deteriorated sharply, falling to 157th out of 180 countries in 2026 from 122nd in 2010. The watchdog attributes this decline to violence against journalists, media ownership concentration aligned with the government, and increasing political polarization.
The Editors Guild of India condemned the ire directed at media outlets considered close to the government but also noted that flawed and biased reporting exacerbates situations and weakens the media's role in democracy. Prominent journalist Ravish Kumar, who coined the term 'godi media,' described such outlets as 'anti democracy, anti-people, anti-opposition,' accusing them of vilifying opposition and ignoring dissent.
A spokesperson for the protest movement stated that organizers have repeatedly urged demonstrators not to mistreat reporters, emphasizing a desire for them to do their jobs without mistreatment. Manisha Pande, editorial director of Newslaundry, noted that years of disillusionment with mainstream television news have fueled this distrust, with news becoming 'anti-people' after 2014. Digital commentator Akash Banerjee added that the media's failure to question the government has driven audiences toward independent online platforms.