When Media Met Politics at TSOM
Times of Bennett | Updated: Oct 11, 2025 15:53
Correspondent: Radhika Gupta
Times School ofMedia on Wednesday, welcomed Dr Ajay Dutt , current AAP MLA from the Ambedkar Nagar (South) Constituency in Delhi. He conducted a masterclass on political communication for students pursuing their post-graduate degree in media at TSOM.
“A political party is made of 3Ps, which include people, perception and performance. Together when these 3 Ps come together in a line, they help the party make a successful government” explained theAam Aadmi Party leader. He explained how the perception of people towards various political parties is highly influenced by the narrative created by media channels.
Dutt also discussed the interconnected roles of media and politics at the global level. He said “When we see the entire political system, we get to understand that media has a very important and unique role to play, not just today but from the starting of democratic systems worldwide”.
To give an example, he explained in detail how the government requires media channels to make people aware about various public policies and schemes, propagate messages as well to share the government’s achievements with the masses.
The political leader also delved into the ethical responsibilities of Indian media as the fourth pillar of democracy to expose governments when their actions harm the national interests and are against the welfare of citizens. He also pointed out how in the contemporary political scenario, many media outlets are forgetting this responsibility and only creating news that is in accordance with the government’s narrative, leading to biased coverage of issues.
Dutt however, also praised independent news organizations that are tirelessly reporting about various socio-political issues from the perspective of the common people and showcasing the impact of government decisions on their lives.
The session saw interactive participation from post-graduate students of TSOM, who actively asked questions about politics in the digital age, use of social media by politicians and about the effect of media bias on political parties that are in the opposition.
Times School of
“A political party is made of 3Ps, which include people, perception and performance. Together when these 3 Ps come together in a line, they help the party make a successful government” explained the
Dutt also discussed the interconnected roles of media and politics at the global level. He said “When we see the entire political system, we get to understand that media has a very important and unique role to play, not just today but from the starting of democratic systems worldwide”.
To give an example, he explained in detail how the government requires media channels to make people aware about various public policies and schemes, propagate messages as well to share the government’s achievements with the masses.
The political leader also delved into the ethical responsibilities of Indian media as the fourth pillar of democracy to expose governments when their actions harm the national interests and are against the welfare of citizens. He also pointed out how in the contemporary political scenario, many media outlets are forgetting this responsibility and only creating news that is in accordance with the government’s narrative, leading to biased coverage of issues.
Dutt however, also praised independent news organizations that are tirelessly reporting about various socio-political issues from the perspective of the common people and showcasing the impact of government decisions on their lives.
The session saw interactive participation from post-graduate students of TSOM, who actively asked questions about politics in the digital age, use of social media by politicians and about the effect of media bias on political parties that are in the opposition.
