South Central

For this special year-ender episode, Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri and Manisha Pande and The News Minute’s Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna are joined by columnist and media critic Santosh Desai.The conversation begins with a wrap of the Indian media ecosystem this year. Santosh says, “Institutions are struggling to retain credibility and resist pressure.” Dhanya argues that mainstream media exerts significant influence over people, but on social media, the results vary.Discussing the state of the media more specifically in Karnataka, Pooja notes that although it's “heavily compromised”, it can still be seen as a “lesser evil” compared to the Hindi and English media.Manisha argues that, in terms of news consumption, the internet can be very ruthless – in contrast to legacy media, which does not have to face the crash and burn. She cites the example of Beer Biceps, whose rapid rise and fall illustrate this ruthlessness.Some influencers, Dhanya says, have also realised that “credibility comes with consistency”. On the economic front, Abhinandan explains, “It is the lethargy of legacy media that is reflected in their belief about how business is done – in large spaces and studios. Hence, sustainability and viewership become two completely different things.”The panel also discusses advertisements that make them nostalgic. Dhanya says, “Now, we pay to remove ads. I cannot remember the last time I watched an ad.” Meanwhile, Abhinandan notes, “The death of ads is the death of jingles, which in turn traces to the death of radio.”While discussing Arnab Goswami's recent shows that questioned the central government, Pooja remarks, “This man can damage the country by stooping so low, but all it takes for him to be viewed as a crusader is the targeting of a soft issue as a larger strategy.”This and a lot more. Tune in!Letters to NL Hafta and South Central: ‘Pointless’ Nikhil Kamath article, love for Dhanya and improving AQI2025 is coming to an end, make it count: https://rzp.io/rzp/gnWUWkcSupport the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/south-centralFor viewers outside India: https://buy.stripe.com/dR6bK841T9ll0GAeVgSouth Central Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/fotHnLrY7uEVbzSB8Recommendations: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SuGm5-JwvRc4SCazAtW9956IKfsy3RrTJOFMsvbhmGE/edit?gid=0#gid=0To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click hereTimecodes00:00:00 - Introductions & announcements00:02:16 - Headlines00:07:30 - Brands vs individuals: Understanding news models 00:33:15 - Karnataka Hate Speech Bill00:38:00 - How has advertising changed?00:59:00 - Santosh’s recommendations01:00:00 - Arnab Goswami’s turnaround 01:07:00 - Christmas violence  01:12:00 - Letters01:35:13 - Recommendations Song: Badumbaaa - Zumba ZumbaReferencesPrasar Bharati’s curliest tale: How taxpayer money was used for influencer contentKiran Bedi Tapes: Does the law allow a ‘concerned mother’ to request a surveillance operation?Read Santosh Desai’s columns Abhinandan’s interview with Dhruv Rathee Abhinandan’s interview with Harvinder Kaur ChowdhuryRecommendationsSantosh Desai New India by Rahul Bhatia Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtPluribusThe ExpanseAbhinandan Believer's Dilemma: Vajpayee and the Hindu Right's Path to Power, 1977–2018 by Abhishek ChoudharyVajpayee: The Ascent of the Hindu Right, 1924–1977 by Abhishek Choudhary Pooja PrasannaA Controversial Judge DhanyaThe Dig: Keeladi and the Politics of India's Past by Sowmiya AshokSerialThe Muhammad Yunus government played with fire, now Bangladesh burns againBeliever's DilemmaManisha Shattered Lands : Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia by Sam DalrympleGods Guns & Missionaries: The Making of the Modern Hindu Identity by Manu S. PillaiSubscribe to Newslaundry and The News MinuteLapgun DJCheck out previous Hafta recommendations, references, songs and letters.Recorded and produced by Priyali Dhingra. Production assistance by Megha Mukundan and  Ajay. Edited by Saif Ali Ekram.

In this year-ender episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss federalism and how it has fared in India. They are joined by economist and author Rathin Roy, and TNM’s Associate Editor Nandini Chandrasekhar.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. 00:00:00- Introduction 00:02:01 - Headlines 00:15:53 - Federalism01:17:29- Recommendations 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. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.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 hereProduced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji.

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.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 Case00:01:48 - Headlines 00:13:07 - Investigative Journalism in India 01:03:10- Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.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 hereProduced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali.

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss India’s Constitutional value of secularism and the contradictions in its practice. The panel delves into how India has fared, or not, in prioritising Constitutional values vis-à-vis political agenda. They are joined by journalist and activist Aakar Patel and Seema Chishti, the editorial head of The Wire.Reporting Fund: The Shady Business of Stolen FootageOnce 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 00:01:07 - CCTV series00:03:56- Dileep Case Verdict00:06:07 - Headlines 00:16:29 - Secularism in India01:29:41- RecommendationsCheck out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.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 hereProduced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the Kerala actor assault case of 2017, which superstar Dileep is accused of orchestrating. As the verdict is expected in a week, the hosts take us through the details of the case and its impact on Kerala society. They are joined by TNM’s Associate Editor, Sukanya Shaji and Breaking News Head, Azeefa Fathima. In the second session, the hosts delve into the SIR, the pressure exerted on BLOS, and the discrepancies in the process itself. The guests are joined by TNM’s Tamil Nadu Bureau Chief Shabbir Ahmed.The News Minute & Newslaundry 26% discount offerOnce 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 00:01:11 - 26% Discount00:05:16 - Headlines 00:12:57 - Dileep Case Verdict 00:48:03 - SIR Across States01:16:22- RecommendationsCheck out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.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 and written by Sukanya Shaji.

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the anti-vaccine statements made by billionaire Sridhar Vembu. In the second session, the hosts delve into the efforts of several governments, including Karnataka and Andhra, to implement a PPP model in the health education sector. The hosts are joined by Dr PV Ramesh, IAS, and Dr Sylvia Karpagam, a public health doctor with more than two decades of experience.Let Me Explain is 100 not outOnce 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 00:01:08 - LME 10000:02:22 - Headlines 00:13:33 - Vembu’s Anti-Vax Claim 00:47:36 - Privatisation of hospitals 01:18:53- Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.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 hereProduced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji.

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth first discuss Kerala’s announcement that it has eradicated extreme poverty. They are joined by T.V. Anupama, IAS officer and Special Secretary, Local Self Government Department and Devaswom, and Freddy Thomas, Assistant Professor at the School of Law, Christ University. The discussion explores how families were identified, the state’s micro-plan approach to welfare, and the challenges of sustaining such interventions over time.In the second part of the episode, the hosts are joined by senior journalist Prajwal Bhatt from New York to discuss Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City’s mayor. Prajwal explains how Mamdani’s campaign mobilised young voters and sections of Indian Americans, including “Hindus for Zohran,” while drawing sharp reactions from segments of the Indian right wing.Read: Ayodhya of the southOnce 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 00:01:44 - Ayodhya of the south 00:04:03 - Headlines 00:14:02 - Kerala eradicates extreme poverty 00:49:26 - Mamdani wins01:09:51 - Yogendra Yadav on SIR  01:25:02- Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.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 hereProduced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali.

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth first discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls across the country, and the controversies surrounding it. The hosts are joined by activist and psephologist Yogendra Yadav. In the second part of the session, the hosts discuss two High Court orders–from Kerala and Karnataka– that quash FIRs in sexual harassment cases. They are joined by former lawyer and journalist Sukanya Shaji.This week's episode is brought to you by Newslaundry. Click here to supportThe Shady Business of Stolen Footage: Support the report fund 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 00:01:44 - CCTV Series 00:02:47 - Headlines 00:08:45 - Support Newslaundry 00:09:45 - Headlines00:15:12 - Yogendra Yadav on SIR  00:54:55- Bumble & Ranjith Cases01:15:38- Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.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 hereProduced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji.

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth first discuss the hijab controversy in Kerala, and whether it is a question of faith or the right to education. The hosts are joined by senior journalist Shahina KK and TNM’s Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal. In the second part of the session, the hosts discuss the newly announced Google data centre in Visakhapatnam, whether it is viable for the state, and the row between Karnataka and Andhra ministers over it. The hosts are joined by Indulekha Aravind, a senior journalist who primarily writes on business.Celebrate Deepavali with us with this special offer: https://pages.razorpay.com/deepavali25 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 00:01:04: Diwali Offer00:01:52 - RSF Press Freedom Nomination00:05:05 - Headlines 00:19:00 - Kerala Hijab row  00:58:10- Karnataka-Andhra Spat01:15:27- Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.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 hereProduced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji.