TLDR: The key idea of the video is that independent journalists are entering the podcasting space and facing criticism, but they are important for providing different perspectives and promoting open dialogue in journalism.

00:00 🎙️ Independent journalists are entering the podcasting space, facing criticism from traditional journalists, while digital content platforms like YouTube and podcasts are gaining popularity, with the speaker highlighting the need for polite questioning and open dialogue in journalism.

1.1 Smita Prakash, a renowned journalist, has entered the podcasting space and is considered one of the most relevant journalists today, especially among the younger population in India who consume news primarily through digital platforms.

1.2 Independent journalists are getting into podcasting, but there is a snooty attitude from traditional journalists who believe podcasters lack the rigor and rules of journalism, as podcasters have more freedom to add their own perspective, while journalists have to go through various editing processes to ensure accuracy and relevance, but the world of content creation journalism is still emerging.

1.3 Digital content, particularly YouTube and podcasts, is becoming increasingly popular, with the speaker discussing their own preferences and experiences with consuming content on these platforms.

1.4 Too many people in the media are PR trained and give the same rehearsed answers, while content creators lack the education and experience of journalists in dissecting and asking tough questions.

1.5 The speaker discusses the different approaches to journalism and interviewing, emphasizing the importance of asking questions politely and gathering content from guests, rather than focusing on aggressive questioning for ratings.

1.6 The speaker expresses frustration at not being given the opportunity to speak and emphasizes the importance of being open and vulnerable.

14:27 📺 Age should not determine importance in politics and media; seeking different perspectives is crucial; debates on Hindu-Muslim issues dominate but viewers want more in-depth news; experts should have experience; shift to digital content requires new skills for journalists.

2.1 Age should not be a factor in determining impact or importance in politics and media, as people need to see perspectives from both podcasters and journalists in order to have a comprehensive understanding of policies and programs.

2.2 The speaker discusses the importance of seeking different perspectives and shares her experiences in journalism, highlighting the difference in coverage between Indian and foreign news agencies.

2.3 Debates on Hindu-Muslim issues dominate the media, but viewers are getting tired of the polarized format and are seeking more in-depth and relaxed news, leading to a decline in the popularity of drama-filled television journalism.

2.4 Experts in politics should be individuals who have experience and knowledge in the field, rather than random people who have no background or expertise in the subject.

2.5 News channels and newspapers are shifting their focus to digital content, leading to increased competition and the need for more frequent reporting.

2.6 Journalists need to adapt and learn new skills like editing, camera work, and podcasting in order to survive and thrive in the changing media landscape.

26:29 🗳️ Winning state elections is crucial for political parties and governance, as it determines their identity, influence, allocation of funds, and decision-making, while voter education is important to focus on past promises and the ability to deliver, rather than voting based on sentiment or caste.

3.1 Winning state elections is crucial for both political parties and governance as it determines a party’s identity, influence in opposition unity, and impacts the allocation of funds and decision-making between the center and the state.

3.2 Political parties may engage in back-and-forth negotiations regarding funding and projects, which can impact citizens depending on the party in power and their willingness to cooperate.

3.3 Voter education is crucial in order to elect individuals who will listen to and work for the people, focusing on past promises delivered and the ability to deliver in the future, rather than voting based on sentiment or caste.

3.4 In the 2023 elections in India, people still vote based on caste, religion, and sect, which is frustrating and reflects the reality of the majority of the country.

3.5 Educated individuals, including those from Bangalore, should not underestimate the importance of voting in every election, as it is their duty as citizens and their votes do matter.

3.6 The importance of winning elections lies in the ability to implement policies and programs, and political parties should avoid arrogance and focus on addressing the concerns and issues of the people.

37:57 📺 Journalists should represent both left and right perspectives, the electoral system in India is unpredictable, Modi’s rise was a response to the previous prime minister, PR and marketing are important for winning elections, podcasters are being attacked but are open to interviewing opposition figures, and the speaker intends to focus on getting to know the human side of politicians through podcasting.

4.1 Journalists should not necessarily be centrist, but rather ask questions that represent both left and right perspectives, as exemplified by a magazine’s question mark cover during the 2004 election, and the BJP’s strong party influence on the Prime Minister’s decisions.

4.2 The electoral system in India is unpredictable, with parties forming coalitions and the success of a political party often being influenced by the charisma of the prime minister.

4.3 The rise of Modi as a strong leader was a response to the previous humble and self-effacing prime minister, and in the history of Indian politics, there are checks and balances where people elect different leaders when they get tired of a certain kind of rule.

4.4 PR and marketing are crucial for winning elections, but it is important for political parties to have a good product and do the work on the ground, as pure PR without substance will not be effective.

4.5 Podcasters are being attacked by disgruntled journalists who are envious of their success in getting interviews with government officials, but the government’s recognition of the value of podcasts has led to a shift in attitude from those who initially rejected the idea, and while some may perceive podcasters as tools of the government, they are simply learning how to do political podcasts and are open to interviewing opposition figures as well.

4.6 The speaker discusses their intention to focus on getting to know the human side of politicians and believes that all forms of publicity are good, while also expressing a desire for politicians to come on podcasts and stating that they will continue podcasting for a limited time.

53:45 📺 The internet has brought Korean pop culture to rural areas of India, while clothing trends in villages are shifting towards affordable polyester sarees; however, discrimination based on caste persists in both rural and urban areas, emphasizing the need for confidence-building and addressing privilege, and journalists must maintain distance from powerful people to report objectively.

5.1 The internet penetration in rural areas of the country has led to a growing interest in Korean pop culture, with kids in villages now listening to K-pop, watching K-dramas, and even learning Korean, indicating a fascinating phase of growth in the country’s access to diverse media and learning opportunities.

5.2 The speaker discusses the changing clothing trends in Indian villages, highlighting the shift from traditional attire to polyester sarees due to affordability, and also mentions the poverty and social restrictions faced by certain communities.

5.3 Dalits and backward castes in India continue to face discrimination in land ownership and social segregation, both in rural and urban areas, highlighting the persistent inequalities in the country.

5.4 Discrimination based on caste still exists in parts of India, even in metropolitan areas, and it can affect individuals’ lives and interactions.

5.5 Discrimination based on caste still exists in India, with people from lower castes facing subtle forms of discrimination and prejudice, highlighting the need for confidence-building and addressing privilege.

5.6 It is important for journalists to maintain a distance from powerful people in order to keep their perspective and report objectively.

01:09:25 📺 In rural India, gender inequality and lack of education need to be addressed; traditional media’s failure to cover dark aspects of society has led to the popularity of YouTube channel Soft White Underbelly; India’s improving connectivity and access to technology has positively impacted education and communication; the media’s portrayal of the Modi government’s success and Mukesh Ambani’s influence is discussed; women journalists face health-related problems, but recent discussions and movies are shedding light on these issues; Indian journalists should focus on discussing the benefits of foreign leaders’ visits and strengthening India’s relations with other countries.

6.1 In rural India, there is a dark reality of gender inequality and lack of education, which is often ignored by people in the cities and needs to be brought to light.

6.2 A YouTube channel called Soft White Underbelly, which shows the dark and morbid aspects of American society, has gained popularity due to the failure of traditional media to cover these stories, highlighting the need to adapt and move with the times in order to survive.

6.3 India is gradually improving connectivity and access to technology, allowing more people to have mobile phones and internet access, which has had a positive impact on education and communication, even in remote areas.

6.4 India’s readiness for economic prosperity, the demonization of wealth creators, and the Modi government’s long-term game plan are discussed in relation to the media’s portrayal of the government’s success and Mukesh Ambani’s influence.

6.5 Women journalists in India face health-related problems due to the lack of toilets and sanitary napkin facilities, but thanks to recent discussions and movies like “Padman,” these issues are being brought to light; however, the extreme left tends to overlook the positive aspects of the Modi government and focuses more on criticizing and highlighting the negatives.

6.6 When foreign leaders visit India, Indian journalists should ask questions about their own country and not focus on personal or controversial topics, as it is more important to discuss the benefits of the visit and strengthen India’s relations with other countries.

China’s01:28:43 🌍 India’s foreign policy is evolving to focus on strengthening domestic affairs before pursuing a more assertive stance internationally, emphasizing the importance of a confident and strong voice representing the country’s values and equality, while also addressing divisions caused by diversity, desire for dominance, and the discomfort of neighbors and allies with India’s rising prosperity, advocating for trade agreements, collaborations, resource sharing, and investment rather than viewing it as brain drain, and highlighting the need to have confidence in one’s own beliefs without impinging on others’ religious practices, as religion is often used as a tool for political control.

7.1 India’s foreign policy is evolving and becoming more independent, with a focus on strengthening domestic affairs before pursuing a more assertive stance internationally.

7.2 Aggression in foreign policy does not work in a democracy, but a confident and strong voice representing a country’s values and equality is important, despite the flaws of being a noisy and diverse democracy.

7.3 The diversity in our country causes divisions, but there are people who believe in our unity, while others try to divide us for their own interests, such as China’s desire to become a dominant power in a unipolar world and the discomfort of our neighbors and allies with India’s rising prosperity.

7.4 Countries should focus on building trade agreements and collaborations, sharing resources like vaccines, and encouraging investment from their citizens abroad, rather than viewing it as brain drain.

7.5 A large section of India is influenced by religious bias, but it is important to have confidence in one’s own beliefs without impinging on others’ religious practices.

7.6 Religion is often used as a tool for political control, and people should not take it too seriously as it is based on stories and personal beliefs.

01:44:47 🗣️ The speaker discusses the lack of tolerance in Mumbai’s transportation system, the need for housing solutions and economic growth, and the exploitation of religious favor for political marketing, emphasizing the importance of journalists in the digital ecosystem and expressing gratitude for the guest.

8.1 The speaker believes that the majority of people in India do not have the luxury of dwelling on deep issues like spirituality and religion due to their daily responsibilities, and while there is a small section of the population that does, tolerance in any form is decreasing.

8.2 Despite our tolerance for many things, the speaker highlights the lack of tolerance in Mumbai’s transportation system, where people endure long lines and difficult commutes, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure in the city.

8.3 The speaker emphasizes the need for housing solutions, dignity for the middle class, and the importance of focusing on economic growth rather than religious divisions.

8.4 Start podcasting or engage in productive activities instead of getting involved in religious fights, as religious favor and animosity are being exploited for political marketing.

8.5 Journalists have a crucial role in the digital ecosystem and are seen as thought leaders by young people in India.

8.6 The speaker expresses gratitude for the guest and discusses the desire for feedback on the podcast, promising to focus more on geopolitics in the future and asking listeners to follow the guest’s podcast and the speaker’s podcast.

Key Insights

Changing Media Landscape

• 🎙️ Smitha Prakash’s podcast is considered one of the most relevant pieces of journalism today, especially for the younger generation who consume news primarily through digital platforms like podcasts.
• 📺 Smita Prakash’s goal as a news agency journalist is to gather content from her guests for use across multiple channels, rather than focusing on TRPs or ratings.
• 💡 People in positions of power are realizing the importance of engaging with podcasters and other non-traditional media sources, highlighting a shift in the way information is disseminated and consumed in 2023.
• 💪 Journalists need to be multitasking and adapt to new technologies like podcasting and YouTube in order to survive in the industry.
• 📚 With increased access to the internet, podcasts, and global media, the learning curve in these areas is becoming extremely ferocious, opening up new opportunities for knowledge and growth.
• 💔 The obsession of American media with covering Trump for years and now Biden’s presidency shows the need for podcasts and alternative news sites that offer a fresh perspective and move away from repetitive and sensationalized content.
• 🙌 The host of the podcast is considered to be at the forefront of Indian journalism in the eyes of many young people.

Political Priorities and Agendas

• 🗳️ Winning every state election is crucial for political parties as it determines their identity and influence, both nationally and regionally.
• 🗺️ Voters are looking for a clear agenda from political parties, including plans for national security, relations with China and Pakistan, and infrastructure development.
• 💪 “India was ready for economic Prosperity today’s day and age unless you bring Prosperity right to that person who didn’t have it.”
• 🌍 India’s foreign policy has evolved over the years, with a focus on strengthening domestic affairs before pursuing a more assertive approach towards neighboring countries and international positioning.
• 🌍 “Our foreign policy is getting more confidence as we become representative of developed nations and demand a strong voice in organizations like the UN Security Council.”

Social Issues and Awareness

• 🗳️ “People who think we don’t count, you might as well take a whip and start whipping yourself. Then you’re that stupid, you’re that dumb to think that you don’t matter as a citizen.”
• 🤔 Discrimination based on caste still exists in parts of India, even in metropolitan cities, highlighting the deep-rooted social issue that needs to be addressed.
• 💔 It is important for journalists and people with platforms 
————————————

Q&A

Why is it important for journalists and people with platforms to share the stories of struggling communities in rural India?

It is important for journalists and people with platforms to share the stories of struggling communities in rural India because it helps create awareness about the challenges they face. Many people may be unaware of the hardships and issues that a significant portion of the population in rural areas go through on a daily basis. By sharing these stories, journalists and influencers can shed light on the socioeconomic disparities, lack of access to basic amenities, and discrimination that exist in these communities.

Bringing attention to the struggles of rural communities can lead to a better understanding of their needs and inspire collective action to address these issues. It can also help bridge the gap between urban and rural areas and promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

Furthermore, sharing these stories can challenge societal norms and perceptions, especially regarding caste-based discrimination, which continues to persist even in metropolitan cities. By highlighting the deep-rooted social issues that need to be addressed, journalists and influencers can contribute to the dialogue on social justice and promote a more equitable society.

Overall, sharing the stories of struggling communities in rural India through journalism and other platforms serves as a powerful tool to increase awareness, foster empathy, and advocate for change in the socioeconomic landscape of the country.

How does the obsession of American media with covering Trump and now Biden’s presidency highlight the need for alternative news sites and podcasts?

The document suggests that the obsession of the American media with covering Trump and now Biden’s presidency highlights the need for alternative news sites and podcasts that offer a fresh perspective and move away from repetitive and sensationalized content. It implies that the continuous focus on these political figures by traditional media outlets may result in repetitive coverage and a lack of diverse viewpoints. As a result, alternative news sites and podcasts can provide a different lens through which to view political events, offering a fresh perspective and avoiding the tendency for sensationalized reporting. These alternative sources allow people to access news and analysis that goes beyond the mainstream narrative, catering to individuals seeking a different and more nuanced understanding of political events.

What questions does the concept of religion as a technique used by powerful people to control mobs and transfer philosophy through stories raise?

The concept of religion as a technique used by powerful people to control mobs and transfer philosophy through stories raises several questions. Some of them include:

What is the true essence of spirituality? By viewing religion as a tool for manipulation, it questions the authenticity and genuineness of religious beliefs and practices.

How and why do powerful individuals or groups exploit religion for their own benefits? It prompts an inquiry into the motives and strategies employed by those in positions of power to control and manipulate people’s beliefs and actions.

What impact does the manipulation of religion have on individuals and society?

This question explores the repercussions of using religion as a means of control, including the potential polarization, division, and conflicts it can create within a society.

Are religious stories and narratives being distorted or manipulated for ulterior motives? It raises concerns about the accuracy and integrity of religious teachings, as well as the potential for certain stories to be selectively presented or altered to serve specific agendas.

How can individuals differentiate between genuine spirituality and manipulative religious practices? This question highlights the challenge of discerning authentic religious experiences from those that are manipulated or coerced. It emphasizes the need for critical thinking, independent reflection, and an open-minded approach when engaging with religious teachings and practices.

These questions prompt a deeper examination of the intersection between religion, power dynamics, and the impact on individuals and society. By critically evaluating the manipulation of religion, one can gain a better understanding of its complexities and potential consequences.

How does the increasing engagement of people in positions of power with podcasters and non-traditional media sources reflect a shift in the dissemination and consumption of information in 2023?

The increasing engagement of people in positions of power with podcasters and non-traditional media sources reflects a shift in the dissemination and consumption of information in 2023. According to the document snippets, there are several key points that highlight this shift:

Podcasts as a relevant source of journalism for the younger generation: The document mentions that podcasting, particularly Smita Prakash’s podcast, is considered one of the most relevant forms of journalism for the younger generation who primarily consume news through digital platforms like podcasts. This suggests that traditional media sources are being supplemented or even replaced by podcasts to cater to the changing preferences of the audience [1][2a].

Importance of engaging with podcasters and non-traditional media sources: The document emphasizes the significance of people in positions of power engaging with podcasters and non-traditional media sources. This highlights a recognition of the impact and influence of these platforms and indicates a departure from relying solely on traditional media for information dissemination.

Journalists adapting to new technologies: The document emphasizes the need for journalists to adapt to new technologies like podcasting and YouTube to survive in the industry. This adaptation reflects a response to the changing landscape and the popularity of these non-traditional media sources.

Demand for fresh perspectives and alternative news sites: The document suggests that there is a need for podcasts and alternative news sites to offer a fresh perspective and move away from repetitive and sensationalized content. This indicates a growing desire for diverse voices and alternative sources of information beyond mainstream media.

Overall, these snippets highlight a shift towards the consumption of news and information through podcasts and non-traditional media sources in 2023. The engagement of people in positions of power with these platforms reflects an acknowledgment of their relevance, influence, and the changing media landscape.

Note - This content is generated by AI, we believe it is accurate, but we don’t claim any liability of inaccuracies in the AI generated content.

Watch the Episode