The Media and Civil Society
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Episodes Summary
Join us in this compelling episode of Unmute as Gagan and Minar interview veteran journalist Rajiv Shah, former Political Editor of The Times of India and founder of Counterview. In this powerful conversation, Rajiv Shah traces his journey from covering Perestroika-era Moscow to reporting on Gujarat politics and launching his independent platform Counterview. Rajiv shares candid insights into media ownership, civil society, fake news, and the shifting terrain of public narratives in India. He explains why civil society must proactively engage, train, and use social media to get its stories out. He also emphasises the importance of training young journalists about social issues and civil society.
Tune in for real stories, practical media wisdom, and sharp reflections on the past, present, and future of journalism.
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Key Highlights
Corporate media vs. civil society – why mainstream journalism often ignores grassroots issues.
Manual scavenging story – how one article sparked legal action and policy attention.
Counterview – the birth of an independent platform to amplify marginalised voices.
COVID-19 & migrant workers – civil society unheard, state narratives unchallenged.
Fake news & post-truth – the rise of “WhatsApp University” and the need for fact-checking.
Social media as a tool – why CSOs must train volunteers to use Twitter, blogs and reels.
Fear, clampdowns & CSR funding – how shrinking space affects civil society’s independence.
Lessons from Russia – reporting under censorship, Perestroika, and media independence.
Training journalists – the lost art of study circles and policy briefs.
References & Resources
Counterview - https://www.counterview.net/
Media and Corporate Control - https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/the-corporate-takeover-of-india-s-media-95981
Manual Scavenging - Supreme Court bans manual scavenging in metro cities | CJP
Manual Scavenging - https://sabrangindia.in/protection-manual-scavengers-under-law-real-picture/
Alt News - https://www.altnews.in/
Perestroika - https://www.history.com/articles/did-perestroika-cause-the-fall-of-the-soviet-union
Media and Civil Society - https://polsci.institute/south-asia/the-role-of-media-in-civil-society/
"The Power of Citizen's journalism to Advance Democracy" by Ravish Kumar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeWzsDpCg2w
Social Movements, Media and Civil Society in Contemporary India - https://www.amazon.in/Social-Movements-Media-Society-Contemporary/dp/303094039X
