Economist brands India's TV news ‘WWE in suits’
The Economist magazine has sharply criticised Indian television news as a “suited version of World Wrestling Entertainment,” accusing it of abandoning factual reporting for sensationalism during the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
The critique highlights how channels fabricated dramatic narratives—such as the Indian Navy attacking Karachi port, the army crossing borders, the Pakistani prime minister fleeing to a bunker, or a coup ousting the army chief—complete with sirens and animated missile graphics, despite none of these events occurring.
One anchor even claimed, “All information is verified and broadcast,” lending credence to the fiction.
This media frenzy escalated post the May 7 “unprovoked terrorist attack” on tourists in Kashmir, prompting India’s retaliatory strikes.
Amidst this, hosts made inflammatory remarks, with one urging, “Set Karachi on fire, blow up the whole city,” while a former army officer’s abuse of the Iranian foreign minister sparked a diplomatic row.
The Economist notes that Indian TV has drifted into a realm of nationalist propaganda, showering praise on the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, vilifying the opposition, and disparaging minorities and foreigners, while silencing dissenting studio guests.
Analyst Manisha Pandey lamented, “If you brand yourself a nationalist channel, at least serve the national interest,” pointing out the media’s failure to align with official briefings that downplayed the conflict’s scale.
The fallout has been severe. While diplomats and defence officials sought to de-escalate tensions, TV guests prayed for Pakistan to err further “for real fun,” undermining the state’s messaging and portraying India as an aggressor rather than a victim.
Domestically, viewers were misled with rumours of drone attacks and mass suicide bombings, leaving border communities without reliable updates during real threats, while inland areas suffered from misinformation. Though newspapers offered some accuracy, their late-night coverage limited reach, leaving only a few alert citizens and the government’s fact-checking unit to counter the chaos.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also bore the brunt. Viewers, fed a narrative of imminent victory over Pakistan under Modi’s leadership, were stunned when US President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire on May 10.
The abrupt shift sparked despair, with TV host Arnab Goswami raging, “This is Trump’s usual intervention… We were crushing them… I’m not accepting it,” inciting nationalists to abuse the Indian Foreign Secretary and his family online.
On May 12, Modi’s national address showcased strength, denying US-mediated talks, and the BJP organised victory rallies. Yet, public scepticism persists, with many dismissing the government’s claims, attributing the disconnect to its own media allies.
