TMR 2022: How are women represented in and by Indian media?

Is the representation of marginalised groups in mainstream media going to change anytime soon? Why does the Indian legacy media cover crime against women the way it does?

What are the challenges female journalists face in India? 

These questions made for an insightful discussion at The Media Rumble 2022 session "Women in Media". TMR 2022 was held in Delhi on October 14 and 15. 

The session, moderated by Akash Banerjee of The Deshbhakt, had for speakers Babita Gautam of the Voice Media and the Dalit Desk, independent journalist Priyanka Dubey, Priyanka Kher of Breakthrough, and Sayema Rahman of Radio Mirchi.

"There is representation of women in the media but as victims. Rape stories and abuse," said Rahman. "Women are largely still a fair and lovely camp, even in newsrooms. Women are not in power and impact positions."

The speakers also discussed the role of popular culture in the glorification of violence and the impact of media on public psychology.

Watch.

Text by Reet Kaur Sahni.

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