Something unexpected happened this week. Rahul Shivshankar, the Editor-in-Chief of Times Now, tendered his resignation. This has been seen as a sign that Times Now, which has been a pro-BJP channel since 2014, now wants to become a neutral channel. Shivshankar is a genuinely pro-BJP journalist who has done a number of bulletins against Congress and other Opposition parties over the years. As long as he is there at Times Now, the channel would be seen as a pro-BJP voice. With his exit, it is believed, there will be a change in public perception. And that's what Times Group wants.
It is also believed that Times Group wants Congress to believe that it is ready to adopt an anti-BJP tone if Modi were to lose power in 2024.
As per journalist Rohini Singh, major changes are sweeping through some national media channels based in Noida. "They perceive winds of change. One (pro-BJP) anchor has been sacked and his boss was not given a raise. Another network has hired a liberal and sensible voice at a senior position to balance the myriad ‘jihad’ shows that are routinely done on its channels," she wrote.
A Hindi channel with many pro-BJP voices is registering weak TRPs these days, Rohini Singh says.
National media channels are allegedly worried that many Opposition leaders are not interested in even appearing on their channels due to their strident pro-BJP stance. If BJP loses power in 2024 (which is most unlikely), these channels will face the heat. That's why they are making some smart moves now itself, some analysts believe.
