News or Theatrics? Inside Indian TV’s War Spectacle

The seriousness of the tense situation between warring countries demands restraint, responsibility, and factual reporting—qualities sorely lacking in the reckless theatrics playing out on our news channels.

Events on almost all news channels on the evening of 8th May-25 were truly theatrical. Indian media outlets, it seems, had taken upon themselves the full responsibility of 'entertaining' the nation amid the tense situation between India and Pakistan. And entertain they did—with an intensity and dramatism that bordered on absurdity. The fine line between journalism and fiction was not just crossed but completely obliterated.

As tensions escalated between India and Pakistan, news channels began their coverage with fervour, quickly transforming factual reporting into a high-stakes spectacle. Viewers might have felt like they were watching a live commentary of a thrilling T20 cricket match, not serious news about a potentially catastrophic military conflict. The visuals were dramatic, the music ominous, and the language hyperbolic, as if the goal was to create fictitious victory against Pakistan rather than responsible factual reporting.

Anchors delivered a barrage of 'breaking news' bulletins in thunderous voices, breathlessly narrating a sequence of astonishing developments. These announcements, amplified with bold red graphics and exaggerated sound effects, rapidly captured public attention. Initially, these reports — laden with patriotic fervour — felt exhilarating. For anyone confident in the prowess of Indian defence forces, the headlines seemed plausible,

trustworthy, and even morale-boosting.

However, as the night wore on, the reports grew increasingly fantastical. Claims emerged of simultaneous attacks on all major Pakistani cities, fires engulfing urban centres, the arrest of Pakistan’s army chief Asif Munir, and even Indian forces capturing Islamabad. Each claim seemed more unbelievable than the last, and yet, they were delivered with utmost confidence and in as much as the loudest possible way. At this point, the narrative tipped from dramatic to dubious. This was not journalism — it was storytelling masquerading as news.

The situation was made worse by the presence of self-proclaimed military experts and retired defence personnel who surprisingly endorsed these claims. In some cases, they even applauded and shouted, further legitimising the sensationalism. Their role, which should have been to provide context and critical analysis, instead became one of cheerleading. Their presence lent an air of credibility to otherwise questionable content, misleading audiences who assumed these individuals were offering informed perspectives.

For a moment, it seemed the long-awaited national dream of a decisive victory over Pakistan — and the complete eradication of terrorism — had finally come true. Emotions ran high. Social media exploded with celebratory messages. But the stark contrast between reality and media portrayal became too glaring to ignore. A closer inspection of credible sources and official statements revealed a far more complex and restrained scenario. These channels and the anchors were even more shameless the next day when they realised what they had done in their shows the previous evening. Of course, their tone was a little down but still with the same unconfirmed and factually not proven events.

The downfall in journalistic standards isn’t new. Even if it is across all media houses. Ever since the onset of cutthroat competition in the news industry, the quality of television news reporting shows has steadily declined. The TRP (Television Rating Point) race has driven media houses to prioritise viewership over veracity and drama over diligence. But this recent episode marked a new low. The media has an immense responsibility to inform and shape public opinion constructively. Instead, what we witnessed was a reckless, almost dangerous, abandonment of that duty.

This is not the first time Indian media has faltered during a crisis. The 2008 Mumbai attacks also revealed how careless coverage could jeopardise security operations. Then, as now, the consequences of irresponsible journalism went beyond misinformation — they posed real threats to national security. During the Mumbai siege, live broadcasts potentially helped terrorists monitor the security forces' movement. Such precedents should have prompted caution, not carelessness.

India’s digital media is increasingly becoming an object of ridicule on the global stage. In an era where disinformation can have tangible and lasting effects, credibility is everything. The current trajectory — where speculation is aired as certainty, and entertainment overshadows ethics — only deepens the crisis of public trust. If corrective measures aren’t taken swiftly, the damage to national morale, democratic discourse, and international credibility may be irreparable.

The government must recognise the gravity of this issue and act accordingly to restore accountability in news reporting. There is a pressing need for regulatory frameworks that uphold journalistic ethics, penalise misinformation, and reward factual accuracy. Media literacy among the public also needs to be improved so that viewers can distinguish between genuine news and manufactured narratives.

The time has come to demand better from our media, from our experts, and from those who hold the power to influence millions. Journalism must return to its roots: reporting the truth, holding power to account, and serving the public interest above all else.

(The author is a professional residing in Germany. Views personal.)