India is not only the world’s largest democracy but also a society shaped by diverse religions, languages, and cultures. To maintain harmony within this diversity, the Indian Constitution places the principle of secularism at its core. However, the growing presence of devotional programming on television news channels has sparked a fresh debate about the true meaning of secularism in modern India.

Major Telugu news channels such as TV9 Telugu, NTV, and ABN Andhra Jyothi increasingly broadcast devotional shows, astrology segments, and religious content, especially during mornings and festivals. This raises an important question:

Are news channels fulfilling public responsibility, or drifting away from their core role in pursuit of ratings and audience sentiment?

To answer this, one must examine the issue from constitutional, social, ethical, and media perspectives.

What Does Secularism Mean in India?

Indian secularism differs significantly from the Western concept. In many Western nations, secularism primarily means a strict separation between religion and the state. In India, however, secularism is generally understood as “equal respect for all religions.”

But this leads to a deeper constitutional and philosophical question:

Does equal respect mean actively promoting every religion equally?

Or does it mean that institutions-including media-should remain neutral toward all religions?

This debate lies at the heart of the current controversy.

The Role of News Channels: Responsibility of the Fourth Estate

In a democracy, the media is often referred to as the “Fourth Estate.” Its primary responsibilities include:

Questioning those in power

Highlighting public issues

Exposing corruption and injustice

Creating social awareness

These are the foundational duties of journalism.

However, when a news channel spends several hours broadcasting devotional songs, astrology, and ritual-based programming, concerns naturally arise regarding whether it is moving away from its essential democratic role.

The Legal Perspective

Under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995:

Channels must not promote hatred between religions

No religion should be insulted or demeaned

Editorial freedom allows channels to decide what content they broadcast

Legally, devotional programming is not prohibited. Yet legality alone does not settle the ethical debate. Media institutions also carry a moral responsibility toward society.

Scientific Temper vs Superstition

Article 51A(h) of the Indian Constitution encourages citizens to develop:

> “Scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.”

Critics argue that some television content-including astrology shows, ritual remedies, planetary peace ceremonies, and superstitious claims-runs contrary to this constitutional ideal.

Instead of encouraging rational thinking and scientific awareness, sections of the media may inadvertently strengthen irrational beliefs and superstition.

This raises another critical question:

Should media empower citizens through awareness, or reinforce unscientific thinking for commercial gain?

The Business Argument: Devotion for TRPs?

Private television channels are commercial enterprises driven by:

Advertisements

Viewership ratings (TRPs)

Audience engagement

Morning audiences often prefer devotional songs, spiritual talks, and religious programming. Channels therefore see such content as commercially successful.

But an ethical dilemma emerges:

Is everything acceptable in the name of ratings?

Should business interests outweigh social responsibility?

Does excessive religious programming weaken secular values?

These questions remain deeply relevant in today’s media landscape.

Why Devotional Content on News Channels?

One of the strongest arguments in this debate is simple:

When dedicated spiritual channels already exist, why should news channels broadcast the same content?

For example:

Bhakthi TV

Other religion-focused and spiritual networks

These platforms are specifically designed for devotional programming.

When mainstream news channels also prioritize such content:

News coverage loses importance

Religious narratives gain excessive visibility

The distinction between journalism and spiritual entertainment becomes blurred

This can be viewed as conflicting with the spirit of secular neutrality.

The Minority Perspective

India is a multi-religious society.

If a news channel disproportionately broadcasts content related to one religion while giving limited representation to others, it may create a perception of cultural imbalance.

Even if not intentionally discriminatory, such programming patterns may indirectly reinforce feelings of exclusion among minority communities.

Is Journalism Losing Its Core Identity?

Excessive devotional broadcasting may gradually reduce:

Investigative journalism

Public issue coverage

Critical debates on governance, unemployment, education, and healthcare

As a result, media risks transforming into a blend of:

> “Entertainment + Devotion”

rather than serving as an independent public watchdog.

When this happens, democratic accountability weakens.

International Comparisons

In countries such as the United States and across much of Europe:

News channels focus primarily on journalism

Religious programming exists on separate dedicated platforms

A clearer distinction is maintained between news and faith-based broadcasting

In India, however, this separation remains blurred.

What Could Be the Balanced Approach?

The solution is neither a complete ban nor unrestricted freedom.

A balanced path may include:

1. Reasonable Time Limits

Devotional content could be restricted to limited time slots rather than dominating news programming schedules.

2. Equal Representation

If religious content is broadcast, all faiths should receive fair and balanced representation.

3. Promoting Scientific Awareness

Channels should invest more in:

Science programming

Educational content

Rational public awareness initiatives

rather than encouraging superstition.

4. Prioritizing Public Issues

Greater coverage is needed on critical issues such as:

Unemployment

Education

Healthcare

Economic inequality

These directly affect citizens’ lives and deserve more media attention.

Broadcasting devotional content on news channels in India is not illegal. However, it raises a profound ethical and democratic question:

Should the media primarily shape public awareness?

Or should it simply reinforce existing beliefs and emotions?

Freedom is not merely a right—it is also a responsibility.

If media institutions fail to uphold that responsibility, secularism may gradually become a constitutional ideal that exists only on paper.

Media is not just a mirror reflecting society.

It is also a powerful force that shapes public consciousness.

How that power is used will determine the future of democratic and secular values in India.