Weaponisation of media

After the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Indian media erupted into an aggressive war cry, blatantly abandoning journalistic ethics and objectivity. Within moments, TV anchors, without any verification, began pointing fingers at Pakistan, driven more by hysteria than facts. The media, entangled with right-wing political interests, became a mouthpiece for nationalist rhetoric, sidelining truth for toxic sensationalism. This dangerous mix of propaganda and paranoia isn’t limited to India alone; Pakistani media too, at times, flirts with xenophobia. But the Indian media’s recent frenzy is a chilling example of how far media can go when it trades its duty for a drumbeat of war.

The article paints a grim picture of how journalism, globally, is being weaponised to manipulate public sentiment and justify state actions. From the West’s silence on CIA operations to the New York Times’ misleading WMD narratives that paved the way for Iraq’s devastation, the writer highlights a consistent pattern: when national security enters the frame, objectivity often flies out the window. Whether it’s American, Indian, or even Pakistani media, editorial independence bends before political pressure. Journalism, once a bastion of truth, now finds itself used as ammunition in information warfare. The lesson here is simple yet sobering—media must return to facts, not fanaticism, if it’s to serve democracy.

Overview:

This article uncovers the harsh truth about the declining standards of journalistic integrity, especially in politically charged environments. It discusses how media, rather than reporting facts, is being used to stoke conflict, fuel nationalism, and influence foreign policy. Through personal experiences and historical examples, the writer exposes how both Eastern and Western media have succumbed to manipulation, compromising truth in the name of national security.

NOTES:

This article is invaluable for aspirants looking to understand media’s evolving role in geopolitics. It provides a strong critique of journalistic ethics, foreign policy manipulation, and the information war. It aligns with topics like global politics, international relations, war on terror, media freedom, and modern propaganda. Use this article as a reference to understand how perception-shaping tools can alter public opinion and justify military aggression.

Relevant CSS Syllabus Topics:

• International Relations: Role of media in conflict
• Pakistan Affairs: Indo-Pak relations, media portrayal
• Current Affairs: Information warfare, media ethics
• Journalism & Mass Communication: Objectivity in journalism, media as a tool of soft power
• Political Science: Rise of nationalism and its impact on democratic institutions

Notes for Beginners:

This article shows how news channels can sometimes act more like political weapons than sources of truth. For example, when a terrorist attack happened in Kashmir, Indian media instantly blamed Pakistan without any proof, calling for war instead of waiting for facts. This isn’t the first time this has happened—Western media once wrongly reported that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, leading to a war that caused massive destruction. The writer also shares personal experiences where his reports were censored to protect political interests. It’s a powerful reminder that media must stick to truth, not take sides.

Facts and Figures:

• The NYT supported the 2003 Iraq invasion on unverified intelligence, later admitting its failure
• Over a million people reportedly died due to the Iraq War
• Raymond Davis case involved CIA undercover operations kept hidden by mainstream media
• Indian media reaction post-Pahalgam attack was immediate, uninvestigated, and aggressive

To sum up, This article throws light on a dangerous trend—the transformation of media into a tool of manipulation rather than truth. In a world where misinformation is dressed as patriotism, the true casualties are public trust and democratic values. The writer not only critiques others but holds a mirror to his own industry, urging media professionals to rekindle journalistic principles. When words are wielded like weapons, the truth bleeds silently.