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The credibility of Indian mainstream media is facing an unprecedented crisis as prominent television news channels and anchors are accused of spreading fake news and indulging in war hysteria following the recent unprovoked missile attacks on Pakistan. The exaggerated and often factually incorrect coverage has drawn sharp criticism from Indian celebrities, independent journalists, and YouTubers, many of whom have called the reporting disgraceful and dangerous.
Outlandish Claims and Manufactured Hysteria
In the wake of India’s missile strikes on Pakistani territory—which Islamabad described as unprovoked and resulting in the deaths of at least 31 civilians—India’s top news channels went into what many described as a “frenzy,” peddling sensational claims with little to no verification. These included outrageous assertions about the destruction of the Karachi port and even the leveling of Islamabad—claims quickly debunked but widely broadcast on Indian prime-time television.
The over-the-top coverage included graphics, dramatic sound effects, and patriotic music, often blurring the line between fact and fiction. Many anchors appeared to abandon journalistic norms in favor of fanning nationalistic fervor and toeing the line of the BJP-led government.
Celebrities and Influencers Speak Out
The excessive theatrics did not go unnoticed. Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha took to Instagram to express her frustration over the dramatized reporting, calling it a “joke.” She wrote:
“Just do your job, report facts as they are. Stop sensationalising WAR and creating panic among people… for god’s sake.”
Sinha urged her followers to seek out reliable news sources and avoid the sensationalism served by mainstream TV news. “Stop watching this garbage in the name of news,” she concluded.
Joining her was Tejasswi Prakash, a popular television actress, who posted a clip from a live broadcast where a news reporter was abruptly interrupted by the anchor to push a pro-government narrative, even as the reporter clarified that no Pakistani aircraft had breached Indian airspace.
“This is exactly why I don’t trust this Godi Media anymore,” Prakash said in her post, using the widely-known pejorative term for media seen as compliant to the government. “It’s not journalism — it’s scripted propaganda.”
YouTubers Join the Chorus of Criticism
Prominent Indian YouTubers also chimed in with scathing commentary. Dhruv Rathee, who has over 29 million subscribers, posted a video clip of Indian defense analyst Major Gaurav Arya and urged his followers to stop watching such content.
“Block these frauds from your Twitter accounts. Never watch these fake news channels again. Share with your family members also,” he said.
Nitish Rajput, another popular content creator with around 7 million followers, criticized the media in his signature sarcastic tone. “If the news media tells me it is raining, I will look for my sunglasses,” he tweeted, alluding to the sheer lack of trust now associated with mainstream reporting.
Disinformation and Escalating Conflict
The media’s role in stoking tensions coincided with a dangerous military escalation. After the deadly missile attacks on May 7, Pakistan retaliated with Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, reportedly shooting down five Indian Air Force jets, including three Rafale aircraft, and dozens of drones.
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While India denied the losses, Pakistan released visuals and radar data supporting its claims. Pakistan also reported shooting down nearly 80 Indian surveillance drones, including Israeli-made IAI Heron UAVs, which allegedly violated Pakistani airspace.
This tit-for-tat exchange has led to heightened tensions in the region, and analysts warn that irresponsible media coverage could further destabilize an already volatile situation.
Blind Nationalism vs Responsible Journalism
The loudest concern from critics revolves around how Indian news outlets have blurred the line between patriotism and propaganda. Many believe that the media’s unquestioning support of the government narrative, combined with dramatic war-like reporting, is eroding public trust and compromising national discourse.
“Blind nationalism is not patriotism. Question what you are being shown,” Tejasswi Prakash said, urging viewers to think critically and seek facts rather than manufactured narratives.
This sentiment is increasingly echoed across Indian social media, where hashtags like #FakeNewsMedia and #GodiMediaExposed have been trending.
A Crisis of Credibility
The ongoing backlash has raised broader questions about the state of media freedom and integrity in India. Once viewed as a vibrant democratic press, Indian media now finds itself in a crisis of trust, especially among younger and more digitally literate audiences who are turning to independent sources for news and analysis.
As the India-Pakistan conflict continues to simmer, the role of the press in either mitigating or exacerbating tensions has never been more critical. For many viewers, the recent coverage has been a sobering reminder that unchecked sensationalism in times of crisis can have real-world consequences—not just for public opinion, but for peace and stability in the region.
