In this episode Suchitra, Bhakti, and Madhuri delve into the unethical reporting on sexual violence, particularly in the context of the ongoing genocide perpetrated by Israel on Gaza. The hosts discuss the trends of hyper-reporting and zero reporting, the ethics of how victims are portrayed, and the media’s role in fabricating narratives that serve political agendas. They highlight the systemic violence faced by Palestinian prisoners and the contrasting media treatment of different victims, the apathetic conditions of reporting on sexual violence in Indian news media, thereby, emphasizing the need for ethical journalism that prioritizes truth over salaciousness and sensationalism.

Key takeaways:

• The media has gone as far to fabricate narratives around sexual violence for sensationalism and to dehumanize groups of people.
• There is a stark contrast between hyper-reporting certain cases and zero reporting in other cases.
• Victims’ bodies are often exploited in unethical ways in reporting.
• The concept of the ‘perfect victim’ influences media narratives, also to further the facade of the ‘woke media’.
• Mainstream media frequently ignores the violence faced by marginalized groups.
• The MeToo movement has impacted how sexual violence is reported, but inconsistencies remain.
• Systematic violence in prisons is often overlooked by mainstream media.
• The US government has been complicit in ignoring sexual violence against Palestinians.
• Ethical reporting is crucial for justice and awareness.
• Media sensationalism can lead to voyeurism rather than meaningful change.