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Rajdeep Sardesai

Editor-in-Chief, IBN18

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On important news developments of the week

38 questions answered

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You seemed to be more of a critic while interviewing Modi.Whats's your take Asked by: chinmay
Not at all. I am neither a critic or a admirer of Modi. I am an observer. and as a journalist, my job is to ask him questions. None of them are driven by anything other than a desire to get news and seek answers.
why are news channel not running a sustained & prolonged campaign on issues rather than focussing on one fiercely for 2-3 days and altogether forgetting about it? eg.what hapenned to 2G & Coal Scams ? yesterday it was vadra now Gadgari ? Asked by: Dro
a 24 hours news channel becomes a prisoner of format at times. If the netas/activists switch from one issue to another, a channel tends to track them and focus on the issue of the day. That is a weakness of the format. But this doesnt mean we forget issues, its just that some tend to play out longer than others.
#IAC is more of an "Event" then a "Movement" now !!Your impartial comment !1 Asked by: Y K SINGH,CHANDIGARH
I think IAC has mastered the art of a media 'event'. However, if IAC wants to grow and sustain itself it cannot rely only on media oxygen. It will need to build an organisation that goes beyond the soundbite or the dramatic allegation.
dear sir can u comment on the remark of YP SINGH expose on Arvind Kejriwal in which he called arvind as hitler. Asked by: Pradeep Joshi
I must confess that I found Mr YP Singh's presser a bit strange. Within 24 hours of the Gadkari 'expose', Mr Singh comes up with his own counter on Pawar while raising issues that have long been in the public domain. While Mr Singh's readiness to take on the big fish should not be scoffed at, I thought his attack on Kejriwal was unwarranted and suggested a feeling of being 'left out' more than being an honest critique of Kejriwal.
is it true that there are some journalists who behaves biased on political issues.i mean are there some percent who behaving as spokes person of either political parties.? Asked by: laxit parsana
There are journalists and journalists, many of whom have their own belief systems, their political leanings. Nothing wrong as long it doesnt affect their journalism. Unfortunately, in recent times, the lines between news and opinion have got blurred and this leads to the charge of being biased. In my view, a journalist must have his/her strong opinions, but it must be based on facts, not on perception.
are u seeing any solid output of the anger in public on highlight issue corruption Asked by: Ajeet Singh
I think the anger is good. As I wrote in an article this morning, its like lava emerging from a dormant volcano. maybe, it will eventually lead to a clean up of the political system. It wont happen overnight, but if the anger forces some kind of accountability, it will be valuable.
Do you think Kejriwal could become a saviour for Congress by splitting anti-Congress votes, esp in urban areas in the next election? Asked by: Deepak
I think its too early to say what impact Kejriwal will have on elections. His organisation needs to develop more depth and build a base beyond Delhi for it to be truly effective. However, in next year's Delhi elections, the Kejriwal factor could prove important.
What is the role of the liberal english speaking media in India in provoking right wing backlash in social media? Asked by: Ibn Viewer
Interesting question. I think the social media is much more organised on ideological faultlines with a strong presence of the right. I am not sure this should be seen as a backlash to a 'liberal' mainstream media, but a conscious attempt by a specific group to organise themselves on the social media. I also dont believe that the 'liberals' control mainstream media; MSM is far too diverse now to allow it to be easily labelled.
Ashok Khemka is a hero of the week undoubtedly. Still trying to figure out what Arvind Kejriwal wants to achieve by jumping from issue to issue. Is it because people are sensing that the mid term elections are nearing and it would help to highlight all the issues rather than focus on one issue? Asked by: Karthik
Arvind Kejriwal is a man in a hurry. Maybe, he needs to press the pause button, assess just how he intends to effect a change in the system rather than move from issue to issue. This is the age of the muckraker and Arvind needs to be careful to exercise due diligence before making specific allegations. I do however have great respect for his integrity and commitment and do believe that he is a welcome wildcard in Indian politics.
Overdose of reality TV,further amplified by d loud,boorish & obnoxious style of TV reporting is bound to result in voter fatigue/negativity.Do you agree? Asked by: Y K SINGH,CHANDIGARH
There is an overwhelming negativity on television. We too need to introspect and step back from the noise. Expose the corrupt but do it without losing our moral compass which happens when we start reducing our studio into a courtroom.
Mr Rajdeep, your impartial comment on Challenge for Today's Media Ethics in the context of "Season of Revelations” by Mr Kejriwal Asked by: SK Kohli
I think the time has come for a solid media expose. You might have read about a tv news editor who has been caught in a sting seeking a bribe. If this is true, it is a shocking indictment of our profession. We need to rediscover our ethical core.
Do u think that Mr kejriwal's party will earn enough seats in Delhi Assembly election to became main opposition party?? Asked by: Anant kumar
As said earlier, I see Mr Kejriwal and his proposed party as a wildcard at the moment in Indian politics. Electoral politics is a different ball game, and television time is not proportionate to votes at the ballot box.
Hello Rajdeep, good evening! Why dont we see media questioning Sonia, Rahul etc on important issues. Why doesnt media hold them accountable on issues such as corruption, terror, economy etc. Soniaji in particular heads the UPA formally! Asked by: Ajay
Yes, the reluctance of Sonia and Rahul to subject themselves to media scrutiny is unfortunate. You cant lead a democracy by living within forbidding walls.
Sir, your column on Vadra http://t.co/0F5zjPXO is great, every word of that transpires in real India 2day. Question on IAC, there is a strange fear that this revolt too will subside over months/years because of khaas aadmi’s such powerful reach, your take sir. Asked by: Sunil
whether IAC survives or not, I do believe the forces unleashed through RTI, PILs, 24 x 7 media, will last well beyond any one group. There is so much muck in our society, let it all come out.
Is it true that all TV anchors had aspirations of being an IAS at start off their career. And they have a grudge on this country since they could not achieve it ? Asked by: Ravish Kumar
I cant speak for other TV anchors, I wanted to be a cricketer first, then a lawyer. Cricket required talent, law hard work! Lost out in both. hence, i settled on journalism.
Ashok Khemka was transferred more than 40 times in his 19 years of civil services. His last tranfer was allegedly done by Haryana Government because he initiated enquiry in Vadra-DLF land deals. Khemka spoke to media about his greivances on being transferred violating All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968. Haryana Government violated statutory IAS (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Regulations, 2010 in trnsferring Khemka. Which one is bigger evil, Is Khemka with in his rights speaking to media? What mantra did Chief secretary had for Khemka that changed his opinion on his latest transfer suddenly? Asked by: Rohit
Mr Khemka as an IAS officer cannot exist outside the system of which he is a part. Should he speak to the media? if that is the only way in which his voice is to be heard and a wrong corrected, then why now? However, if he doesnt have faith in the system of which he is a part, then he must be ready to opt out.
Do you acknowledge that #Smart Media Has been #OutSmarted by this new breed of Activist turned politicians,time and again ? Asked by: Y K SINGH,CHANDIGARH
Not at all. A number of exposes done by activists were first exposed in the media. Yes, on Robert Vadra, there was almost a conspiracy of silence in speaking out. I am glad that Mr Kejriwal's disclosures have ended that silence.
Deeply appreciate media's role in highlighting ... but media can be offensively and unreasonably in combat mode the whole of many weeks now.Maybe the concept of 'Trial by Media' should be followed more selectively and appropriately. your thoughts? Asked by: Monindro
The media should not play judge and jury, but that doesnt mean we do not ask tough questions of those in power. If that leads to the accusation of trial by media, then so be it.
Arvind needs to complete the exposure of politicians at the earliest and work on making his own team of clean people. More Khemka, Y.P. Singh, Kiran Bedi need to join him from the overall country so that a good alternative is available with people in 2014. Stating a problem is easy but giving a solution is not that easy. Asked by: Rachna Goria, GM (Legal) & CS
Yes, IAC needs to go beyond just a handful of individuals, it needs to spread beyond Delhi, it needs to involve the youth in particular. This is the challenge before civil society activists; how do you build an organisation that doesnt revolve around two or three individuals.
How important do you think was the role of bloggers and social networking in escalating the damage scale of the corruption expose? Being a blogger and an active twitter user, I can vouch for the efficiency and accuracy Asked by: Siddharth Gupta
We are in the media age, in the age of information. Whether tv, newspapers, or social media, each medium of communication helps to amplify the message. Let the rumble against corruption become a roar.
Hi Rajdeep, what do you think of increase in rapes in India and what media can do to prevent and the culprits are punished? Asked by: Santosh
I dont know what the media can do to prevent rapes. This is primarily a law and order issue and a problem created by a society that 'objectifies' the woman's body. The media can report on them with sensitivity, the rest is for the criminal justice system to ensure exemplary punishment.
Your interview with Gadkaari was cool and wonderful... Congrats man !! Asked by: R Desai, Los Angeles
I enjoyed interviewing Gadkari. he never shies away from questions and thereby makes a good interviewee.
A law minister is thretening its citizens on camera....Why media is not hilighting it more...Do you this this is not a serious matter? Asked by: kailash
I think Salman Khursheed was way out of line with his threats against the media. He is a former Oxford don, but regrettably appeared to speak like a very different kind of don. He has every right to pursue his legal options including defamation. But when it comes to threatening individuals, frankly, he must give an unqualified apology.
Why media never bother to check whether Anjani Damnia ever met Gadkari or not. The only proof she was able to,present was a SMS she sent to Gadkari. Asked by: Rakesh
Anjali Damania's charges against Mr Gadkari need to be subject to the test of due diligence. You cant hold anyone guilty based on an alleged sms conversation. However, this doesnt mean that Damania hasnt raised some valid concerns. But those concerns must be tested on the basis of evidence, not mere allegations.
Sir wht u think if modi may say sorry on 2002 in guj muslim will support him Asked by: naveen dhull
I believe that justice and remorse are the first steps to reconciliation. If Modi wants to look beyond Gujarat, he will have to be seen as a leader of all Indians. Its not a question of saying sorry, its a willingness to reach out with compassion to all communities.
I think IAC's vote bank is very dispersed (they are intellects, middle class like me who go as far as supporting by sending smses or twitting etc) and most of those dont even care to vote. Given this I doubt if they will be able to make impact in elections. Your take on this observation. Asked by: mayur thakare
Well, its about time the middle class woke up. Anger needs to be matched by action. For starters, can upscale Malabar hill register a higher voting percentage?
Shouldn't we be focusing on the politicians, instead of focusing on motives on IAC members when they expose frauds. Focusing on them is what exactly politicians want. I hope atleast media will be with Aam aadmi Asked by: Junaid
Look when you are in public life, you will be subject to scrutiny. This includes examining motives. If an individual levels allegations out of animosity, it will be an element that will be raised legitimately by the media.
We keep hearing about the news of crimes, scams and all everyday a different story. One day it gets solid publicity and then its out of window and then comes a new one. What is the meaning of not hooking up to one news till it gets resolved ? Is it all about TRP or news channel cant do anything for justice ? Asked by: Praneel Shah
It is not a news channel's task to ensure ultimate justice. That is for the criminal justice system to ensure. We in the media can highlight an issue, but to expect us to resolve every issue is unrealistic. And no, its not about TRP, but a desire to do what a news channel should be doing: acting in the public interest at all times.
what is more worse a corrupt politician or a communal politician ? Asked by: vivek
Why rate communalism versus corruption. Both are cancerous and need to be removed through a major surgery to the system.
IAC arrows being sent out does not seem to have caused much worry. Our political,Beauracratic,and Judicial systems offer so much of layers to wrong doers. Even in case of Sukh Ram the Sukh got to Dukh too late. It looks that Arvind will need much more energy to sustain his campaign. does he have much of ammo and energy in his posession ??? Asked by: sundar1950in
Corruption kee line bahut lambi hai. Picture abhi baaki hai!
sir can reliance refuse cag audit? what is u r opinion about politiical parties having their own newspapers? Asked by: raj
I believe every corporate which is involved in a public private partnership must be subject to CAG accounting. Yes, ownership of the media by politicians is a major concern. We cant stop it, but we must make public aware of its dangers.
Sachin for Order of Australia anouncment by the austaralian PM has not gone well with the Aussies. Will Sachin declining the award be graceful and prevent a controversy. For Aussies they do not want a second Bradman from other than Australia ?? Asked by: sundar1950in
who says all aussies dont want Sachin to get the Order of Australia. A few voices do not represent an entire nation. Aussies love their cricket and they love Sachin too.
According to you, who is favourite to win forthcoming Himachal Pradesh assembly polls? Asked by: Divye Joshi
I think in the present mood, the BJP remains the favourite to win Himachal too.
Don't you think Arvind & his team has to explain about Nitin Gadkari's case in detail as they did for Robert Vadra ?. I understand Gandhi family members doing scams but throwing an allegation on Nitin Gadkari without any proof is a bad. The quiproquo alleged by IAC in Nitin's case BJP was silent on NCP. Don't you think this will eat the credibility of IAC as a team ? Asked by: aditya.yanamand
I think the charge against Gadkari should have been backed by more solid evidence than what was provided. Gadkari's business empire needs to be closely examined, but allegations of land grab cant be made on the testimony of one or two farmers.
Telengan issue is again being brought to limelight. Is this one again a diversionary tactics of teh UPA ?? Asked by: sundar1950in
I think the Congress is in a bind on Telangana. They know its an issue that could reap political dividend, but could also divide Andhra. I dont think its a diversion, but clearly the UPA is looking at the 17 seats of Telangana region.
sir can you tell me why not media covering Dr S. swamy story when they are say somthing about sonia or vadra Asked by: vishal
Dr Swamy's allegations need to be tested on the scale of due diligence. He often makes charges without substantiating them. He is a politician, he can get away with it. We cant as journalists.
is BJP crumbling Yeddyurappa is launching his own party and Vasundhrara raje is on her way out Asked by: chinmay
Like the Congress, the BJP too faces a crisis of leadership. Both parties need to get their act together by providing a leadership that is decisive and acceptable to all.
IS the TRP good and improving on the India positive show ??? Asked by: sundar1950in
I dont know about TRPs of India positive. But i think its a great show and an idea whose time has come. Dont miss the India Positive award show this weekend.