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South Central 54: The state of investigative journalism in 2025
The podcast that delves into the stories shaping southern India.
In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss whether investigative journalism is becoming one of the most endangered professions in India, or whether that is a misplaced fear. Looking back at 2025, the conversation focuses on how much space investigative reporting still has, the risks journalists face, and whether strong reporting can create real impact.
They are joined by investigative journalists Josy Joseph, founder of Confluence Media, Rema Nagarajan, senior editor-research at Times of India and independent journalist Nikita Saxena.
Dhanya begins by pointing out that investigative journalism has not disappeared, but its ability to influence institutions and force accountability has weakened. Many stories get published, but they often do not lead to action or sustained public debate.
Pooja recalls a time when television channels and prominent newspapers would amplify even a single column into sustained campaigns, something she feels is largely missing today.
Josy argues that despite the pressure, independent media has produced some of the most rigorous investigative work in recent years. He says collaboration between newsrooms and journalists has improved the quality of reporting, even as governments work to control institutions and limit scrutiny.
Rema says that while there is no shortage of reporting in health, governments rarely act on it, and sustained reporting often feels like “hitting a wall”.
Nikita Saxena points to a recurring problem in which rigorous investigations end at publication. Citing the Kiran Bedi tapes, she says that instead of follow-up reporting, the focus shifted to defensive narratives, “The story itself was strong, but the scrutiny was missing,” she says.
All this and more, tune in.
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Audio Timecodes
00:00:00- Introduction
00:00:51 - Kerala Actor Assault Case
00:01:48 - Headlines
00:13:07 - Investigative Journalism in India
01:03:10- Recommendations
References
Inside the twisted mind of a hired rapist
Dileep’s story: From mimicry artist to one of the most powerful men in Malayalam cinema
Raman Pillai: The celeb lawyer who helped actor Dileep walk scot-free
The cop who probed the actor assault case and his 100 days in the witness box
Dileep acquittal: Who is judge Honey Varghese?
Fanpower, masculinity & crime: How Kannada superstar Darshan became prisoner no 6106
Recommendations
Josy Joseph
Nikita Saxena
Pooja Prasanna
Everybody loves a good drought
Dhanya Rajedran
The Chat Room Behind the Pelicot Rape Trial
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Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali.
South Central 53: Secularism, Religion and the Indian State in 2025
South Central 52: The Dileep case and how SIR is unfolding across states