We've moved from news to noise: Rajdeep Sardesai

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Indian media has moved from news to noise as it goes after TRP ratings, said renowned Indian journalist Rajdeep Sardesai during a session at the Sharjah International book Fair on Saturday.

Sardesai, along with his wife and senior journalist Sagarika Ghose, spoke about the books they released, Indian politics, cricket and much more.

Sardesai was critical about the present media scenario in the country. "Our media are discussing petty things and glamour for hours while thousands of farmers are committing suicide in India every year. We have moved from news to noise and sensitivity to sensationalism," said Sardesai.

"Plurality and diversity are India's strengths. We can't have somebody who order us what to eat or what not. Instead of seeing the positive side, the media is looking at how to divide us," he said.

Ghose added: "At some time, we have to say enough is enough."

Sardesai's new book 'Democracy's XI' speaks about 11 famous cricketers in independent India, while Ghose has written about the late Indira Gandhi, India's former prime minister.

On why he chose cricket as a subject to write a book on, Sardesai said: "I thought I would take a break from politics. Cricket unites people, while politics divides. It's a happy book for me. Cricket is pure passion while politics is profession."

Ghose said besides all the controversies Indira Gandhi created, including the emergency, the most admirable thing about her was that she was a "fearless woman". "She was 11 cricketers in one woman. She was someone who defined Indian politics. She wrote the modern political playbook," said Ghose.

On the current political scenario, Ghose added: "Indira declared emergency. Today, there's an undeclared emergency. There's an atmosphere of fear, even among the journalists."

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