Thread by @MnshaP

I have been analysing TV news coverage on #Ayodhya for a while now.

Here I detail how some TV news anchors abjured all journalistic values to build a majoritarian consensus on the Ayodhya dispute. #AYODHYAVERDICT

newslaundry.com/2019/11/09/bra…

All debates had studio sets replete with Hindu imagery – the proposed temple, sounding of the conch shell by men dressed in saffron, Lord Ram in various poses.

Swamis or so-called Hindu spiritual leaders were brought on and allowed to go on unhinged rants against Babur and his supporters (read Muslims) that were treated as spiritual pravachan — and you could only stop it at the risk of hurting the sentiments of a man of god.

Anchors from across major channels batted for the Hindu community’s faith and desire for a Ram Temple. Remember Navika Kumar on Times Now say: “Doesn’t Hindu astha need to be prioritised? Shouldn’t the Hindu faith be a priority?”

TV news successfully made this issue an issue of how long the Hindus would have to wait to get their Ram Temple. Not the title suit or the demolition.

The Supreme Court’s judgement is bound to divide opinions. What is as clear as the imminent construction of the Ram Mandir is the TV anchor’s role in making it a reality.

#AYODHYAVERDICT

newslaundry.com/2019/11/09/bra…

Here's looking at some newspaper coverage today.

@JagranNews, India's most widely circulated daily, has been a steady voice in support of the construction of Ram temple.

Today, its headline simple states: Sri Ram

newslaundry.com/2019/11/10/sir…