In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss whether investigative journalism is becoming one of the most endangered professions in India or is that a misplaced fear. Looking back at 2025, the conversation focuses on how much space investigative reporting still has, the risks journalists face, and whether strong reporting is able to create real impact.
They are joined by investigative journalists Josy Joseph, founder of Confluence Media, Rema Nagarajan, senior editor-research at Times of India and independent journalist Nikita Saxena.
Tune in to the discussions here
Listen & follow on Apple
Listen & follow on Spotify
Listen & follow on YouTube
Dhanya begins by pointing out that investigative journalism has not disappeared, but its ability to influence institutions and force accountability has weakened. Many stories get published, but they often do not lead to action or sustained public debate.
Pooja recalls a time when television channels and large newspapers would amplify even a single column into sustained campaigns, something she feels is largely missing today.
Josy argues that despite the pressure, independent media has produced some of the most rigorous investigative work in recent years. He says collaboration between newsrooms and journalists has improved the quality of reporting, even as governments work to control institutions and limit scrutiny.
Rema says that while there is no shortage of reporting in health, governments rarely act on it, and sustained reporting often feels like “hitting a wall”.
Nikita Saxena points to a recurring problem where rigorous investigations stop at publication. Citing the Kiran Bedi tapes, she says that instead of follow-up reporting, the focus shifted to defensive narratives, “The story itself was strong, but the scrutiny was missing,” she says.
All this and more, tune in.
Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com
Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well.
You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.
Audio Timecodes
00:00:00- Introduction
00:00:51 - Kerala Actor Assault Case
00:01:48 - Headlines
00:13:07 - Investigative Journalism in India
01:03:10- Recommendations
References
Inside the twisted mind of a hired rapist
Dileep’s story: From mimicry artist to one of the most powerful men in Malayalam cinema
Raman Pillai: The celeb lawyer who helped actor Dileep walk scot-free
The cop who probed the actor assault case and his 100 days in the witness box
Dileep acquittal: Who is judge Honey Varghese?
Fanpower, masculinity & crime: How Kannada superstar Darshan became prisoner no 6106
Recommendations
Josy Joseph
Nikita Saxena
Pooja Prasanna
Everybody loves a good drought
Dhanya Rajedran
The Chat Room Behind the Pelicot Rape Trial
Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.
To check out our other shows, Click here
To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here
Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali.