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SubscriberWrites: Media makeovers and moral amnesia

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 10:52 GMT by ThePrint
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From Rebranding to “Moral Amnesia”: How Indian Media’s Makeover Has Undermined Its Own Purpose

In a recent Subscriber writes piece for The Print, an experienced journalist‑turned‑media critic takes a hard look at the dramatic changes that have swept across India’s press landscape in the past decade. Titled “Media Makeovers and Moral Amnesia,” the article argues that while the headlines and visual identity of most mainstream outlets have been refreshed, the ethical foundations that once underpinned journalism have been largely forgotten. The author contends that this duality—an outward makeover coupled with a retreat from moral scrutiny—has serious implications for both the media’s credibility and the health of democracy.

The New Face of Indian Journalism

The article opens by describing the “makeover” that has become the industry’s standard practice. Traditional newspapers and television channels have been forced to reinvent themselves in an age dominated by digital platforms and social media. The author cites the shift from purely print to a “content‑first, platform‑agnostic” model: newsrooms now produce stories for websites, mobile apps, YouTube channels, podcasts, and even social media “stories” in an attempt to reach a fragmented, mobile‑centric audience.

For example, The Hindu—historically revered for its sober analysis—has begun experimenting with short‑form content and an aggressive presence on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Meanwhile, NDTV and India Today have moved beyond 24‑hour news cycles, incorporating infotainment and “buzz” videos that are optimized for clicks and ad revenue. These changes are accompanied by aggressive branding overhauls: revamped logos, sleeker websites, and a polished “look” that attempts to signal relevance to younger viewers.

The article points out that these makeovers are largely driven by the same profit logic that has long dictated the media’s operations. In a 2023 report by The Print on digital advertising revenue in India, the author notes that online ad spend has surpassed traditional print revenue by a significant margin. “The drive to monetize online traffic has forced outlets to prioritize headline grabbers and shareable content,” the writer says, citing the shift from in-depth investigative reporting to “flashy, sensational stories that perform well on social media algorithms.”

Moral Amnesia: Forgetting Journalism’s Core Duty

Where the makeover is about aesthetics and monetization, the author laments a far deeper erosion of purpose. “Moral amnesia” refers to the forgetting of journalism’s fundamental mission: to inform the public, hold power to account, and provide a platform for diverse voices. The piece argues that the relentless focus on ratings and advertising has made many outlets more concerned with their own image than with truth.

Several examples illustrate this decline. In 2021, a Times of India coverage of a local protest was reduced to a series of sensational headlines that omitted context and failed to verify sources. The article notes that such reporting often leans on “sensationalism” and “clickbait” to drive traffic, sacrificing depth for reach. The author also highlights the disappearance of long‑form investigative pieces—a once‑pivotal feature of publications like The Indian Express—and the decline of editorial independence, citing recent moves by conglomerates to steer editorial policy in line with business interests.

The article references a seminal piece by journalist Shyam Sunder in The Caravan (2020) titled “The Forgotten Duty of the Press,” which similarly argued that Indian media had lost sight of its watchdog role. The Subscriber writes piece builds on that argument, noting that moral amnesia is not merely a loss of journalistic standards but also a loss of public trust. A 2022 survey by The Print found that only 27 % of Indian citizens trust mainstream news outlets, a dramatic decline from the 2018 figure of 45 %. This erosion of trust, the writer says, fuels the very click‑bait culture that is now the industry’s lifeline.

The Consequences for Democracy and Public Discourse

The author ties the media makeover and moral amnesia to broader democratic consequences. If the press is no longer an independent check on power, the public is left with a fragmented, opinion‑driven narrative. The article points out that the 2019 Indian general elections saw an unprecedented rise in “fake news” and misinformation, a trend that, according to the writer, has roots in the media’s shift away from rigorous fact‑checking.

Moreover, the piece argues that moral amnesia undermines media literacy. As newsrooms shift to “engagement metrics” over “informed discourse,” audiences are bombarded with surface‑level information that encourages echo chambers rather than critical debate. The article cites a 2021 study by The Print that linked higher engagement with sensational content to increased polarization in online communities.

Reclaiming Journalism’s Core Values

Despite the bleak tone, the writer offers a glimmer of hope. He suggests that media outlets must “re‑embrace ethical journalism” by prioritizing editorial independence, fact‑checking, and transparent sourcing. He also urges news organizations to adopt “new business models” that reduce reliance on advertising revenue, such as reader‑support, membership schemes, and public‑service broadcasting. Drawing on examples from The Guardian’s paywall strategy and the success of subscription‑based streaming services, the author argues that a focus on quality over quantity can be both commercially viable and ethically sound.

In a broader sense, the piece calls for media literacy campaigns that empower citizens to distinguish between credible journalism and sensationalist content. The writer points to initiatives by the National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC) that train journalists on digital ethics, arguing that similar training for the general public could help mitigate the impact of moral amnesia.

Conclusion

“Media Makeovers and Moral Amnesia” is a sobering reminder that aesthetic and commercial upgrades cannot replace the ethical backbone of journalism. The article’s central thesis—that India’s press has undergone a superficial makeover at the expense of its moral compass—serves as both a critique and a warning. In an era where information is abundant but trust is scarce, the media’s willingness to revert to its foundational duties could be the key to restoring public confidence and safeguarding democracy.