Sachin Pilot says 'prime time news in India gives people migraine'. We agree

Is 'news' now personal?

Pilot, unlike many of his contemporaries, seems to have his diplomacy filter toned down. In a thinly veiled attack at the voyeuristic, sensationalistic, yelling contest that now doubles up as primetime news hour, he said: "You can appreciate a politician or denounce him or her as long as you know that what you're writing, or transmitting on air is based on professional analysis."

Translation: Tu-tu, main-main does not a news report make.

The budding buddy system

"Sometimes," says Pilot, "there are criticisms regarding certain news groups, publications or TV channels being closer to a party - that is not okay. People at times tell me what content I'm going to see when I switch on the news at 9 - that I feel is not a good thing."

To his credit, at least he answered the question without being defensive or pointing fingers. The most worrying trend, according to him, is that increasingly 'journalists are getting more ideologically affiliated.'

Where is broadcast news heading?

Nowhere, according to Sachin Pilot. And yet, he acknowledged that despite most channels going into huge financial losses, TV's still too big to be overruled. Pilot did however throw some major shade at the content produced by news channels off late:

"Running a news channel (in India) is about presence, you have leverage to keep a politician or party in check. It is used more as a tool than a medium that provides news. That's the difference between an international news channel and us."

"Half an hour of watching international news and I feel like I've learned something. It makes you think. Half an hour of primetime television in India gives you migraine. It makes you think, what are you learning? Do we come out more informed, more equipped about the issue? No."

Ouch.

Doordarshan, you okay?

When Sharma asked Sachin what he thought of state-owned media and the dire state its most prominent face, Doordarshan, was in, it was almost as if the latter was hoping to be asked the question. "Sadly," Sachin said with a ghost of a smile, "if you watch Doordarshan's coverage for a few hours it would become clear which party is in power."

As scattered applause, and a few sniggers broke out in the hall, Pilot clarified, "I'm not blaming our opposition - this is true of all parties - whichever one is in power. State-owned broadcast channels should set the standard for others, which isn't happening currently."

True story, that.

So did WE come out of Sachin Pilot's session feeling 'more informed, more equipped about the issue'? Perhaps. As a bonus, there was no migraine. What we learned for sure however, was that that distinct feeling of being hoodwinked which often follows politicians most faithfully, was absolutely missing in Sachin Pilot's case. Surprised? Yeah. Us too.