The Hyderabad chapter of the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) and other women journalists released a letter to media organisations on Monday, June 30, against the sensationalising of the death of their colleague, anchor and reporter Swetcha. They accused legacy media as well as YouTube channels of conducting a media trial and sensationalising the news by using clickbait thumbnails.
Following her death by suicide, the media scrutinised her life and even interviewed her minor child. Upset by the insensitive reporting, women journalists, including members of NWMI, appealed to media managements to act responsibly.
They also called upon the government and the police to conduct a thorough into the death, and to stop leaking investigation details to reporters. The letter was signed by 46 women journalists.
Read the full letter here:
To
Editors and Managements of Media Houses,
Subject: Rejoinder on Sensational Coverage of Journalist Swetcha’s Death; Regressive and Insensible Interviews With Her Minor Daughter.
Dear Sirs/Madams,
We, the undersigned—a collective of women journalists—write to express our deep outrage at the irresponsible and insensitive media coverage of the tragic death of our fellow journalist Swetcha. The use of lurid headlines, sensational narratives, and most disturbingly, the thumbnails depicting her minor daughter in your reportage are egregious violations of journalistic ethics and human decency.
It is appalling that in 2025, certain sections of the media continue to exploit personal tragedy for clicks and views. The repeated publication of images and videos of a grieving child shows a shocking disregard for the privacy and psychological well-being of a minor. Such content is not only unethical but also amounts to a violation of child protection laws.
This kind of regressive journalism highlights a disturbing trend: a section of the media that prioritises sensationalism over facts, entertainment over empathy, and revenue over responsibility. By doing so, you undermine the very values journalism stands for.
We question the complete lack of accountability among reporters and editors involved in producing and approving such coverage. Where is the editorial oversight that should have stopped this invasion of privacy? Where is the basic humanity that should have prevented the exploitation of a vulnerable child’s image?
We remind you of your professional duty under the Press Council of India’s Norms of Journalistic Conduct, which explicitly call for:
Protecting the privacy and identity of minors, especially in distressing circumstances.
Avoiding sensationalism in coverage of death and personal tragedy.
Exercising empathy and sensitivity in reporting on vulnerable individuals.
Therefore, we—the collective of women journalists, demand:
The immediate removal of any images, videos, or thumbnails showing Swetcha’s minor daughter.
A public apology for the distress caused to the family and the journalistic community.
A concrete commitment to retrain your editorial teams on ethical reporting, especially on issues involving women and children.
If these demands are not met, we will explore all legal, regulatory, and professional avenues to hold your organisation accountable for this gross misconduct.
We also urge you to reflect on your practices and restore faith in ethical journalism.
Sincerely,
Collective of Women Journalists.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu:
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh:
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka:
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala:
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana:
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm)
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.