Power, Press and Politics

An insider perspective on the workings of the Indian media, from a person who has worked with senior-most editors and prominent media housesAn enormous storehouse of information on media and its kaleidoscopic interplay with the Indian polityA superb account of journalists, editors and media ownersNarrates in detail the political, economic and legal pressures that challenge the media and exposes media malpracticesAccounts the role of Editors Guild and Press Council of India in the last five decadesAlok Mehta is an acclaimed political and social journalist with an experience of more than 50 years across print and digital media. He has edited various Hindi publications in leading conglomerates, such as the Times of India Group, HT Media and Outlook Group, as the Chief Editor. Known for his unwavering stand for what is right, Mehta had uncovered some of the biggest stories in India. His deep insights also make him a popular TV commentator. He has written over 20 books on journalism, social issues and political personalities. He has spent a considerable part of his early career in Germany and has travelled to over 40 countries in pursuit of understanding political and social landscapes of these countries. A flagbearer of journalism, Mehta has been an active member of multiple bodies of the fraternity, including holding the post of the Secretary-General and later the President of Editors Guild of India (2006). The recipient of several awards, Mehta was awarded the Padma Shri in 2009 for his contribution to journalism.How was god-man Chandraswami exposed despite the tantric guru's close association with prominent leaders and media barons? How did Alok Mehta expose the Fodder Scam in 1990 that eventually led to the arrest of Lalu Prasad Yadav? How did editors and investigative correspondents reveal murky arms deals, such as the Bofors scandal? Is 'paid news' the new normal in Indian media? How did this game of corruption start? What were the political pressures on senior editors like Vinod Mehta and Kuldip Nayar that led to their resignation? Power, Press and Politics is a groundbreaking, insider account of the workings of the Indian media-both print and electronic, and English, Hindi and regional publications-from acclaimed journalist and Padma Shri awardee Alok Mehta. Deriving from his experience spanning across 50 years, Mehta brings to life these incidents and cases as he had been right in the eye of these storms. Starting his career from a news agency and a Hindi daily, Mehta had worked with leading media houses, such as The Times of India, Hindustan Times, Outlook Group, Dainik Bhaskar and Naidunia, sharing a close association with some of the finest editors and journalists of the country. Citing various landmark cases and judgements, Mehta throws light on the delicate balance between the media and judiciary, both of which are crucial to the health of our democracy. Having helmed the Editors Guild of India, he has had the privileged access to various significant reports, which have been included in this splendidly researched work. A powerful commentary on the Indian media, this is a must-read for media students, institutions and anyone who wishes to understand the working and challenges of the media.An insider account on the workings of the Indian media and its intrinsic interplay with politics, governance and the corporate sector from acclaimed journalist and Padma Shri awardee Alok Mehta.