India Today Anchor Rahul Kanwal lectures on US media bias, gets trolled by Indian viewers
New Delhi: India Today’s anchor and News Director Rahul Kanwal found himself at the center of a social media storm following his remarks on perceived bias in the US media’s coverage of the ongoing presidential election.
In his post, Kanwal highlighted what he saw as clear polarization within the American media, using CNN and Fox News as examples. He claimed that CNN made it appear as though Kamala Harris was receiving widespread support from independents and even some Republicans, while Fox News portrayed Donald Trump as holding a winning edge. Kanwal added that “neutral viewers” might be left confused over which channel represented the real scenario, emphasizing that journalists should leave personal biases aside and aim to present a balanced view.
However, Kanwal’s criticism of US media immediately sparked backlash from Indian social media users, who pointed to the irony in his remarks given India Today’s own reputation. The channel, along with others, is often accused of pro-government bias, and users wasted no time in calling out what they saw as Kanwal’s double standards.
One user sarcastically remarked that, by watching India Today’s coverage, “one would think Modi is winning not only in India but in US and Canada as well,” mocking the channel’s alleged inclination to support the ruling BJP. The comment clearly highlighted what many viewers see as an overt bias in Indian media coverage that often portrays Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP in a favorable light, regardless of the topic.
Another comment urged Kanwal to “start with himself” if he truly believed that journalists should leave personal biases outside the newsroom. The commenter implied that Kanwal’s own reporting was far from neutral and questioned the integrity of his critique of American journalists. This response echoed the sentiment of many others, who felt that Kanwal’s post ignored the role he himself plays within the alleged “Godi Media,” a term used to describe Indian news channels perceived to be compliant with government narratives.
Further, one viewer took issue with Kanwal’s focus on US media, questioning why he seemed more concerned with perceived biases abroad than addressing the issues in his own country. “Godi media talking about media bias in the US?” the comment read. “Why don’t you guys do your own job honestly first rather than working against your own country and fooling your audience, then worry about other countries?” This comment struck a chord with other users, who agreed that Kanwal’s focus seemed misplaced, especially given the state of Indian media.
In a similar vein, another comment read, “Thankfully in India, all channels sing only one song, leaving no scope for any confusion. And dude, you talking about personal biases is a little too much.” The remark appeared to address the lack of diversity in perspectives among Indian news outlets, suggesting that most channels convey a single narrative favoring the government, leaving no room for viewers to experience confusion over where each network stands.
Several commenters went further in their criticisms, openly questioning Kanwal’s credibility as a journalist. One user bluntly stated, “What a joke, when you guys do the same during our elections. Take ownership of what you say because soon media will be considered a platform for only comedy.” This comment highlighted the growing skepticism viewers feel toward the news media, warning that unless journalists start to practice what they preach, the media’s credibility may be beyond repair.
Another comment directed at Kanwal was especially sharp, calling him “spineless” and accusing him of operating on instructions from his employers rather than covering real issues independently. “Firstly, Mr. Rahul Kanwal, think about your honesty in your profession. You’re acting as per your employer's instruction, not on real issues. Spineless man, don’t give lectures to others,” the user wrote, suggesting that Kanwal’s journalistic independence was compromised.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Pakistan reports two more polio cases; Total tally now 52
ISLAMABAD: At least two more cases of poliovirus were reported in Pakistan, taking the number of infections to 52 so far this year, a report said on Friday.
“The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of two more wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in Pakistan," an official statement said.
The fresh infections — a boy and a girl — were reported from the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
“Genetic sequencing of the samples collected from the children is underway," the statement read. Dera Ismail Khan, one of the seven polio-endemic districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has reported five polio cases so far this year.
Of the 52 cases in the country this year, 24 are from Balochistan, 13 from Sindh, 13 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
There is no cure for polio. Only multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five can keep them protected.
