Playing by a Different Set of Rules

Abstract

The notion that journalists in an interconnected world increasingly share values typically associated with the so-called “professional model” has gained considerable currency with scholars arguing that ideas such as a belief in journalistic autonomy, public service, objectivity, and the significance of ethics are widely espoused by journalists on a global scale. Underlying this conceptualization is a taken-for-granted assumption regarding the adoption of journalistic values that originated in Western democracies which neglects how they are embraced in non-Western contexts. This paper examines newsroom values in India’s regional television channels, which have emerged as a major news source in the country. Findings indicate that in the case of Indian regional television, local socio-political and economic factors undermine the adoption of professional norms derived from the Anglo-European model by Indian journalists who see such norms as having little functional value or relevance to their work.

KEYWORDS:

• ethics
• globalization
• India
• journalism practices
• journalistic values
• norms
• professionalization
• regional television

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

Neither author knows of any potential conflict of interest in relation to this manuscript, nor will they benefit financially through this research.

Notes

1. TAM is a joint venture company between AC Nielsen and Kantar Media Research that measures television ratings in India. While some national channels withdrew from TAM in mid-2013, it still represents the most widely used ratings measurement service in India. The Cable Owners Association of India is a trade organization for the cable industry.

2. A regional party in Andhra Pradesh.

3. TDP refers to the Telegu Desam Party, one of the main regional parties in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

4. One of two leading regional parties in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

5. Until recently, the ruling party in India.

6. Son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, President of the Congress Party.

7. The word means bath.

8. Some journalists also mentioned that after the initial contract had been signed, organizations would not give them new contracts claiming that since they were still working, the contract was a formality. However, it meant that if they were terminated they had no protection as they had no valid contract.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any funding.