News Broadcasting
Tanushree Pandey: In fearless pursuit of justice in Hathras
NEW DELHI: From uncouth shouting matches during primetime to intrusive questioning on PTC – TV news in India has been plumbing new lows regularly. Ethical journalism went for a toss in the quest for the next breaking story, the exclusive scoop. Then – piercing through the dead of that fateful night when a Dalit rape victim was forcibly cremated by the police in Hathras – emerged the bold voice of India Today reporter Tanushree Dutta, reassuring people that there still those upholding the tenets of truth, objectivity, and accountability.
The young and fiery journalist became a celebrated icon across the country with her unperturbed and timely reporting from ground zero in Uttar Pradesh. Alongside her camera crew, she fearlessly questioned the police presence on-site, and the stance of those in the state and the central government.
Pandey has been closely following the case since 29 September, the night the Dalit woman’s body was burnt by the UP police amidst protests by the villagers and the wails of her own family who wanted to perform her last rites.
Since then, she has shared minute-by-minute account of the happenings of the night through video clips. Among these is a video of the district magistrate’s (DM) conversation with the bereaved family, insisting that they take back the rape charges.
Pandey is David staring down Goliath. Up against a powerful administration and corrupt law enforcement, her determination and fearless coverage of this heinous gangrape case is to be lauded.
It also comes as no surprise that she has been targeted by those with vested interests in the matter. Her personal phone calls were unethically tapped and made public with the intention to malign her image for forcibly intimidating the victim’s family. BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya cited the same calls as the reason for a media clampdown in the area.
However, she has received mass support online, with senior journalists and people alike appreciating her for showcasing the highest standards of journalism.
Young journalists like Pandey are giving fresh faith in mainstream TV news to citizens. Her strong on-ground reporting is driving widespread outrage across the country against the treatment meted out to the bereaved family and the police high-handedness on display when the deceased victim was forcibly cremated. More power to her!
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
