Ebenezer News Explainer DeskExplainers are written from our published summary and its cited sources, then checked against them.4 Nov 2026, 01:40 amUpdated 1h ago4 min readIndiaIndia
Why journalistic credibility is under pressure in Keralam
Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has warned that the race for ratings and the influence of social media trends are damaging the credibility of mainstream journalism. It is a shift that threatens the traditional standards of accuracy that once defined the media sector.
Simple details
The event was the diamond jubilee of the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club.
V.D. Satheesan is the Chief Minister of Keralam.
Credibility is described as the most important asset for journalism.
Visual media has created intense competition compared to older print traditions.
Incorrect reports in visual media often remain available after they are withdrawn.
What happened
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan recently inaugurated the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club. During his address, he cautioned that the growing influence of social media trends is undermining the credibility of journalism in the state.
He observed that established mainstream media organisations are increasingly following trends set by social media. In these digital spaces, anyone can publish anything, which creates a difficult environment for traditional outlets.
Mr. Satheesan described this influence as one of the biggest challenges facing the media sector today. He noted that the drive for ratings is leading to the creation of baseless stories out of thin air.
Why it matters
Credibility is journalism’s most important asset. It is easy to lose but very difficult to regain once the public loses trust in a news organisation.
When media houses prioritize ratings, they risk damaging their own reputation and the credibility of the journalists they employ. This affects many people:
Readers and viewers who rely on accurate information to understand current events.
Journalists who work hard to maintain professional standards within their organisations.
Media institutions that have a long history of tradition and heritage.
Public figures who are subjected to criticism that isn't based on facts.
How we got here
There was a time when print media was the primary source of news. During that era, newspapers maintained a certain degree of restraint in their reporting.
Back then, print media organisations followed the practice of publishing apologies in the editor’s name when errors occurred. Mr. Satheesan noted that this tradition is now being abandoned.
The emergence of visual media ushered in intense competition. This environment has changed how news is produced and consumed, leading to the current struggle between speed and accuracy.
Reality check
It is important to note that criticism of people holding important positions is a natural and necessary part of journalism. Mr. Satheesan stated he should also be criticised if he makes mistakes.
However, such criticism is only meaningful if it is based on facts and relevant issues. The challenge remains that visual media often keeps incorrect reports available even after they are withdrawn. You'll find that once a report is online, it doesn't simply disappear.
What happens next
Senior journalists and media organisations have a responsibility to identify, call out, and correct unhealthy trends in the media sector. There are several things to watch:
Media houses may face increased public scrutiny regarding the factual basis of their reports.
Senior journalists could lead efforts to restore practices that uphold institutional credibility.
The debate over the rights of readers and viewers to receive accurate information may gain more attention.
Who should buy and who should skip
For those who value quality journalism:
Seek out media outlets that maintain a clear policy on issuing corrections.
Prioritize news sources that base their reports on verifiable facts rather than trends.
For those who prefer social media speed:
Be aware that content on these platforms often lacks traditional editorial oversight.
Always cross-check viral stories with established news sources before accepting them as truth.
Verdict
The warning from the Chief Minister serves as a reminder that the health of the media sector depends on the trust of the public. Readers and viewers have rights that need to be protected just as media organisations have theirs. A return to factual reporting is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy.
