Indian media, led by people like Arnab Goswami, peddles fake narratives surrounding Trump’s inauguration
#GodiMedia
Islamabad: Indian media, particularly channels run by figures like Arnab Goswami, has come under scrutiny for spreading fabricated stories and sensationalizing events surrounding former US President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
According to Kashmir Media Service, while global news outlets focused on the political shifts and global implications of the event, Indian channels went in a bizarre direction, filling their broadcasts with outrageous lies and unsubstantiated claims.
One of the most prominent narratives spread by these outlets involved AI-generated photos and stories falsely claiming a phone conversation between Trump and Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Modi allegedly sending a helicopter to douse the fires in Los Angeles. These fabricated stories, presented as real-time news, were aired with dramatic graphics, blurring the line between fact and fiction. Goswami’s channel, in particular, was at the forefront of these misleading reports.
The channels also created a fake narrative of a “hue and cry” in Muslim-majority countries over Trump’s inauguration. They further claimed that an interaction between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had “upset” Muslim nations, despite no evidence to support such a claim. This fabricated coverage seemed designed to stir political tension and division, rather than report responsibly.
Adding to the misinformation, reports emerged claiming that Trump had “wept” during a phone conversation with Modi. While this bizarre story was quickly debunked, it sparked wild speculation on social media. One Indian YouTuber even commented that Indian media was surpassing North Korea in its levels of propaganda and distortion of reality.
Perhaps the most outrageous claim was the supposed phone call between Modi and Trump, which these outlets reported as a fact—despite no such conversation taking place. By presenting these falsehoods as truths, the channels blurred the line between journalism and blatant propaganda.
Additionally, the media propagated the false and dangerous claim that Muslims were “banned” in America under Trump’s administration. This unsubstantiated narrative, widely discredited by credible international sources, was presented as fact, fueling prejudice and misinformation.
In their rush to manipulate public opinion, Goswami’s network and other Indian channels have created a parallel universe of lies surrounding Trump’s inauguration. Their disregard for truth and journalistic responsibility not only undermines journalistic integrity but also fosters division and misinformation. The spread of these fake stories has raised serious concerns about the role of the media in shaping public perception and manipulating political narratives for sensationalist purposes.