The second edition of Oxfam India-Newslaundry’s report “Who Tells Our Stories Matters” was released on October 14, 2022. The report studied around 43 Indian print, TV and digital media outlets for their coverage, social location of the leadership and caste composition of journalists employed by the organisations. This survey was conducted between April 2021 and March 2022, analysing 20,000 magazine and newspaper articles, 2075 prime time debates with 76 anchors and 3318 panellists and 12 months of online news reports. Although the data reflects a marginal improvement over the previous years in representation, the overall picture is still dismal. Their recommendations include greater sensitisation of media organisations on caste, transparent recruitment practices, and implementation of equal and fair wages.

Key Highlights

Of 218 surveyed leadership across print, TV and digital media outlets, 191 were occupied by people from general category. None of the mainstream media houses had people belonging to SC/ST categories in leadership roles.

• Print Media:
  Over 60% of bylined articles in English and Hindi newspapers were written by people from general category. Less than 5% of the articles were written by people from SC/ST categories and 10% belonged to OBC.
• Electronic Media:
  Around 56% and 67% of the anchors in English and Hindi primetime shows, respectively belonged to dominant/caste groups. None of the channels had any SC/ST anchors for hosting debates.
• Digital Media:
  Over 55% of the writers who wrote for various mainstream digital media outlets belonged to general category. Less than 5% of the articles were written by people from SC/ST categories.