Objectivity is the mirage the news media pursues. In truth, it is a cop-out; a figleaf for neutered journalism in the name of being neutral. Instead of showing the light and being the moral compass in choppy waters, a pliant media takes the path of least resistance, afraid to hurt those who should be named and shamed; afraid of ads and access being cut off; afraid of the tax dogs being let loose. In such a climate then, when one stands out, it is worth close attention and warm appreciation. Take a bow, The Telegraph.
The Calcutta newspaper has excelled in its outrage over the nauseating majoritarianism under Narendra Modi’s nose that has challenged the liberalism and humanism of every decent Indian. Day after day, The Telegraph has left its readers in no doubt where it stands—and where they should—as the knicker lobby has harangued us on how we should live, love, eat and pray. It marks a course-correction for Aveek Sarkar’s ABP group, no doubt, but it hasn’t come a day too late. Verily, as Arthur Miller said, a good newspaper is a nation talking to itself.
