BIJ Journalists on Twitter: A Study of Political Engagement and Partisanship

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a significant presence in the media landscape of India, with many pro-JP journalists playing a crucial role in shaping political narratives. A recent study by researchers from the University of Michigan sheds light on the political affiliations of journalists on Twitter, revealing a complex and often controversial landscape.

Propaganda Agents and Propaganda in the Media

Many so-called pro-BJP journalists are more akin to propaganda agents than journalists. They peddle divisive and hate-filled narratives, obliterating India's true identity and culture. Ominously, these individuals can be found 24/7 on television and social media platforms, with names like Arnab Goswami, Sudhir Chowdhary, Navika Kumar, Rubika Liyaqat, Anjana Om Kashyap, Rahul Shivshankar, and Deepak Chaurasia making regular appearances.

These personalities are often associated with dramatic shouting and agitation, presenting themselves as action heroes rather than responsible journalists. Critics argue that they are loyal to their masters for substantial financial gains, and it's questionable whether they possess any genuine journalistic credentials. Their primary focus seems to be on furthering the BJP's agenda rather than providing balanced and impartial news coverage.

Political Engagement and Partisanship on Twitter

A study titled ‘Indian Journalists on Twitter and their Politician Footprint’ by the University of Michigan researchers provides insights into the political affiliations of Indian journalists on Twitter. The study indicates that while media houses tend to have a more balanced engagement with both BJP and opposition politicians, individual journalists are predominantly engaged by opposition entities.

The report highlights that three media groups - Zee Group, the Republic Group, and the Jagran Group - are solidly aligned with the BJP. In contrast, NDTV's Hindi and English channels and the India Today group are predominantly engaged by opposition politicians, including the Samajwadi Party and the Indian National Congress (INC).

It is noteworthy that The Times Group spans a spectrum of political engagement, indicating diversity and complexity in their interactions with political entities. However, international media houses in India, such as CNN-News18, are generally more engaged by opposition leaders, with some media content partners, notably CNN, leaning towards liberalism.

Methodology and Key Findings

The study analyzed approximately 40,000 Indian politicians and 4,099 Indian journalists for a period of about one year, from August 2021 to September 2022. Retweets were the primary data source, with a detailed examination of messages retweeted by politicians in their Twitter feeds.

This extensive investigation aimed to map out the partisanship of journalists and understand which political factions are most influential in shaping media narratives. The findings highlight the significant influence wielded by certain journalists in the propagation of pro-BJP narratives, often to the detriment of balanced and impartial reporting.

Conclusion

While the media landscape in India is complex, with various media houses and journalists aligning with different political factions, the study underscores the critical role of pro-BJP journalists in shaping public opinion. Their heavy engagement with BJP politicians, often at the expense of balanced reporting, raises questions about the integrity of the media in India.

As public discourse becomes increasingly polarized, it is essential for media practitioners to uphold the principles of journalistic ethics and integrity. The actions and influence of pro-BJP journalists, highlighted in this study, serve as a reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability in the media.