Alternative media can counter lapdog journalism: Dhruv Rathee
When Narendra Modi spoke out against corruption and black money in politics in 2014, a young Dhruv Rathee felt hopeful. He welcomed Modi’s rise to power. However, when Modi clashed with the Aam Aadmi Party over taking control of an anti-corruption helpline set up in Delhi, Rathee realised that those promises were hollow. His frustration grew further when he understood that mainstream television channels were biased in favour of Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
But Rathee did not remain silent. He decided to fight against authoritarianism through impactful videos. On September 16, 2016, he released his first political video explaining how the BJP’s IT cell allegedly shapes political narratives on social media using edited photos, distorted videos, false claims, and paid posts.
After that, there was no looking back. Over the past eight years, he has emerged as one of the most influential YouTubers in the country, fearlessly criticising right-wing agendas and what he calls divisive politics of the BJP. His channel has 25 million subscribers. This number, which remains out of reach for many mainstream media outlets, reflects his popularity.
“I pick topics that people genuinely care about. Traditional media is not focusing on issues that people need. That is why many people come to watch my show,” he said in an interview with Vartha Bharati. “Another reason is how traditional media explains these issues. Sometimes they exaggerate things. I try to present them briefly and explain the core. People know I don’t waste their time and come straight to the point. I don’t create drama or unnecessary noise around any topic.”
He spoke at length in this interview about the future of independent media in India, the impact of the 2024 election results, the status of his regional channel plans, the Haryana Assembly election outcome, allegations from right-wing social media influencers, and more.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
Question: Before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, you made several informative videos exposing the government, and you continue to do so. Your videos have a strong impact. You have said that you make such videos because “Godi media” does not take up serious issues. However, the same party you have strongly criticised has returned to power. How do you see this? Have independent media platforms failed to awaken Indians?
► Yes. The BJP has returned to power at the Centre with the support of its allies. But due to the strength of independent media and the people, its numbers have reduced significantly this time. The BJP expected 400+ seats but has come down to 240. It has formed the government with the support of allies. Because of this, it could not introduce several destructive bills during the monsoon session. Hopefully, it won’t be able to do so in the future either. For example, the Broadcasting Services Bill. The government planned to pass it in the monsoon session. But due to resistance from online content creators, civil rights groups, and independent media, it had to withdraw the bill.
Question: Considering the response to independent media, is the reduction in BJP’s seats its biggest achievement?
► Look at who independent media is fighting against. All institutions are under government control. Opposition leaders have been jailed, financial support to opposition parties has been stopped. The entire media is under BJP control. In such a situation, reducing BJP’s strength from 400 to 240 is a big achievement.
Question: I have noticed that many independent media outlets have failed to prevent people from falling for false narratives created by right-wing systems. Some content also feels predictable. Do you agree? Does Dhruv Rathee face this issue?
► I don’t think independent media in India produces predictable content. For example, Scroll.in and Newslaundry keep launching new shows and publishing unique reports. There is always something different on those platforms.
Similarly, the topics I choose depend on what people are thinking. People from all sections of society watch my videos. Otherwise, gaining 25 million subscribers would be very difficult. That is a huge number.
Question:You are not a journalist. You prefer to be called a “YouTube educator”. But considering your viewership, your channel has surpassed traditional media. Why?
► It is difficult to answer this. Whatever I say would be my assumption. According to me, one reason could be topic selection. I pick issues that people deeply care about. That is why people watch my videos in large numbers. Another reason is how traditional media handles these topics. They sometimes exaggerate and stretch them. I try to present them briefly and explain the essence. People know I don’t waste time and come straight to the point. I don’t create drama or unnecessary content.
Question: With the government bringing more controls, what is the future of independent media in the country?
► I hope independent media will remain strong as always. After the Lok Sabha election results, we have been able to stop several control attempts. I feel there is slightly more freedom now compared to before the 2024 elections.
Question: What is your advice to independent media struggling to survive?
► Alternative media should collaborate with similar organisations. Instead of working alone, working together and launching new programmes and activities is always the right approach. This will give them strength, resources, and numbers to challenge traditional media. For example, they can build a local reporting network and gather responses from people and politicians. This will reduce dependence on government-controlled agencies like ANI and PTI.
Question: Many regional media outlets are following a “lapdog media” style. This is clearly visible in Karnataka. Do you think independent media like yours can be an alternative at the regional level?
► Independent media can definitely be an alternative at the regional level. Those behind lapdog media need to be exposed. When people like Arnab Goswami create drama around serious issues, independent presenters should counter them with meaningful programmes and even satire.
Question: Do you plan to create content in regional languages?
► I started some regional language channels. But they did not succeed because my pronunciation in those languages is not good. Because of this, jokes and references did not connect properly with people. It is better if those fluent in regional languages do it.
Question: Will you guide people who want to create content in regional languages?
► Definitely. I am happy to guide those who have genuine interest.
Question: In your home state Haryana, despite the farmers’ protest and protests by women wrestlers, the BJP won the Assembly elections. Does this indicate a move towards authoritarian rule?
► No. The Haryana result was unexpected. Several wrong decisions taken by Congress leaders due to overconfidence led to this result. But this does not indicate a move towards authoritarianism. If you analyse the results, the vote share difference between Congress and BJP is less than 1 percent. Meanwhile, 10 to 15 percent votes went to other parties. Congress lost due to poor strategy and wrong decisions. Internal conflicts also played a role.
Question: You have said you deliberately avoid crime-related content in your videos. What is the reason behind this?
► There are several reasons. First, I personally don’t like talking about crime. Second, crime needs to be discussed very carefully. It highlights negative aspects of society and may lead to wrong decisions. It can create fear about things people normally don’t fear.
For example, many deaths happen daily due to car accidents. But news channels don’t report them prominently. So people are not afraid of driving. Crime reporting can create fear in people’s minds. While covering crime, its impact on society must be considered.
Question: I am asking this because crime has become part of our society. We are seeing mob killings and such violence. Is it right to ignore crime in such a situation?
► I am not completely ignoring crime. Mob lynching is a problem, and criminals entering politics is another major issue. I speak about such things. When I say I don’t cover crime, I mean I don’t go into detailed reporting of individual crimes. I focus on data-based issues. I talk about the rise in hate crimes and criminals joining political parties. There is a thin line between reporting crime and glorifying it. Traditional media often creates sensation around gangster stories and presents them as heroes. Even Bollywood sometimes does this by glorifying gangsters, making people see them as heroes.
Question: With the education system being weaponised, can educational videos become a strong alternative?
► I believe true education is the best way to counter this. It frees people’s minds, helps them see multiple perspectives, and think critically. When those in power try to weaponise education, they are trying to narrow people’s thinking and push them in a certain direction, often creating anger or negative emotions. True education can counter this.
Question: The government is modifying textbook content as per its needs. In such a situation, how can educational content bring change?
► We need to start talking about it. For example, when chapters on evolution were removed, I decided to make several videos on it. Many people became interested in learning about it. When the government removes such topics, it creates curiosity among people.
Question: Your first video was about a water park, and your first political video came in 2016. In just eight years, you have become one of the most well-known political video creators. Has this journey changed your political beliefs?
► This journey has changed my perspectives and matured my thinking, ideas, and concepts. It is a continuous process. It is difficult to predict how my views will evolve over time. They change with experience.
Question: Right-wing influencers accuse your followers of joining hands with those in power and attacking them. How do you respond? Do you have a fan club?
► I don’t have any fan club. I don’t even call them fans; they are my subscribers. I have never tried to organise them to attack anyone or target someone online. I am very careful about this. Right-wing influencers play an interesting game. They attack you and at the same time act like victims. One person even said I should be hanged and made a video about it. I believe his channel was later banned. After that, he claimed he was being targeted, ignoring that he had violated YouTube rules. Right-wing groups often don’t follow rules and later claim victimhood.
Question: How do you stay focused despite such allegations?
► Right-wing influencers and their followers make many personal allegations against me. But I don’t pay much attention to that. I focus on their ideological arguments and respond to them in my videos without naming them. People are intelligent enough to understand what is right and wrong.
Question: Why do you always wear crew neck T-shirts and start your show with “Namaskar Dosto”?
► “Namaskar Dosto” is commonly used in North India, so I started using it naturally. It was not planned, but now it has become a trend and people पहचान me with it. So I continue using it. It has no connection with Modi’s greeting.
The same applies to the crew neck T-shirt. I prefer simple clothing because I don’t want to spend time thinking about what to wear every day. My wardrobe is simple. It saves time.
Question: What is your message to the readers of Vartha Bharati, which has been practising fearless journalism in Karnataka for 22 years?
► Continue your journalistic work in the same way and keep questioning those in power.
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Dakshina Kannada: Two girls drown while bathing near Kolyadakatta dam in Kadaba
Mangaluru: Two girl students drowned while bathing near the Kolyadakatta dam area of the Gundya river on Friday evening here in the Kadaba Taluk of the district.
The deceased have been identified as Arpita (15) and Sunita (21), both residents of Vimalagiri in Kutrupadi village.
According to reports, five girl students had visited the river along with their friends as it was a holiday. While bathing in the river, the two students reportedly entered a deeper portion of the water without realising the depth and began drowning.
Those accompanying them tried to rescue the duo, but were unsuccessful, leading to the tragedy.
After receiving information about the incident, Kadaba Police Station personnel visited the spot and conducted an inspection. The bodies were later recovered with the help of local residents.
