States » NorthPosted at: Oct 31 2026 8:42PM


Truth must remain journalism’s guiding principle amid digital disruption : Raju Santhanam

Bhawani NegiShimla, Oct 31 (UNI)
“Change the format. Improve the storytelling. Build the audience. But do not change the truth to win the click,” Raju Santhanam a veteran journalist said, while delivering the First Prof Vepa Rao Memorial Lecture here on Saturday.
Santhanam emphasised that honesty, integrity and editorial independence must remain the guiding principles of journalism despite growing commercial pressures, fierce competition for audiences and the rapidly changing digital media landscape.
The lecture was organised jointly by students of Prof Vepa Rao, on his fourth death anniversary, the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), and Keekli Trust.
Santhanam, who has more than three decades of experience in print, television and digital media, has served as editor of The Statesman and headed Zee News.
He lent a personal touch as he had also worked with Prof Rao at The Statesman.
Santhanam said technological advancements had transformed the way news was produced and disseminated, but the fundamental challenges confronting the profession remained largely unchanged.
He observed that the emergence of YouTube creators, social media influencers and artificial intelligence had intensified competition for audiences, making it imperative for journalists to adopt innovative storytelling methods without compromising factual accuracy.
Recalling the gradual entry of advertorials and publicity material supplied by public relations agencies into newspaper coverage, he said the concern was not advertising or public relations themselves, but the growing inability of readers to distinguish independent journalism from paid promotion.
Cautioning against sensationalism and misleading headlines, Santhanam said journalists must ensure that presentation does not distort facts.
An announcement of a scheme to generate 50,000 jobs, for instance, should not be reported as confirmation that the jobs had been created. Similarly, an investigation into alleged wrongdoing must not be portrayed as an established case of corruption.
Santhanam said presenting allegations as established facts amounted to distortion. Citing the Reuters Institute's 2026 news report, he highlighted the growing role of online video and the convergence of traditional and digital media, noting how stories moved from newspapers to YouTube and television. He also cautioned that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, in the absence of a clear exemption for journalistic activities, could impede investigative reporting on matters of public interest.
Recalling instances of pressure faced by media organisations, Santhanam cited an investigation involving businessman Vijay Mallya during his tenure at The Statesman. He said Mallya had arrived in Calcutta with a team of lawyers after the newspaper sent him a telex seeking his response. The newspaper's then editor-in-chief, C. R. Irani, stood firm, making it clear that Mallya was free to respond but could not dictate whether the story should be published.
He also recalled pressure during the newspaper's coverage of the Thakkar Commission, including discussions about disrupting electricity supply to prevent publication. On another occasion, he was questioned over a test report allegedly attracting provisions of the Official Secrets Act.
He said attempts to identify confidential sources crossed a fundamental line, emphasising that protecting sources was essential to investigative journalism.
Citing his experience as editor at Zee News, Santhanam recalled pressure following the channel's telecast of the Tehelka tapes and a sting operation involving a Minister of State for Home Affairs. He said the management, led by Subhash Chandra, refused to buckle under pressure.
He stressed that editorial independence required not only courageous journalists but also managements willing to withstand commercial and political pressure. While acknowledging the importance of defamation laws and personal privacy, he said these should not obstruct legitimate public-interest reporting.
Remembering Prof Vepa Rao, Santhanam said his contribution extended beyond his professional achievements.
His commitment to mentoring young journalists, helping them find professional opportunities and inculcating values of honesty, integrity and sincerity had influenced generations of media professionals. Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who attended the programme as the chief guest, recalled his association with Prof Rao.
Agnihotri, who worked as a journalist before entering politics, said Rao had encouraged him to move beyond Shimla and explore professional opportunities in Delhi. Recalling his interactions with the late professor, his student Rakesh Kanwar IAS, said Prof Rao made the entire world a classroom for his students, whether while crossing roads in Connaught Place or walking from The Ridge to the university.
He said Rao's influence extended beyond professional guidance, as he also played an important role in shaping the personal lives of his students, including helping many find life partners.
Among those who spoke on the occasion were other students Shashikant Sharma, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Himachal Pradesh University, Dinesh Sharma, formerly with Zee News and Vijay Gupta, Editor of Amar Ujala, Chandigarh.
UNI BN
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Truth must remain journalism’s guiding principle amid digital disruption : Raju Santhanam

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Bhawani NegiShimla, Oct 31 (UNI)
“Change the format. Improve the storytelling. Build the audience. But do not change the truth to win the click,” Raju Santhanam a veteran journalist said, while delivering the First Prof Vepa Rao Memorial Lecture here on Saturday.

see more..