Lost in Sensation: How TV News Turned a Tragic Crime into a Theatrical Spectacle

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 23^rd August. In the world of Bharatiya TV news, where breaking news often trumps breaking facts, the coverage of the tragic Kolkata doctor’s rape case has been nothing short of a spectacle. The case, which should have sparked meaningful discussions about the safety of women, the state of healthcare, and the accountability of law enforcement, has instead been sensationalized to disturbing levels. News anchors, who seemingly mistake their studios for courtrooms, have transformed this incident into an exercise in theatrics—all under the guise of journalism.

From the moment the story broke, TV studios erupted into a frenzy. Panel discussions, which should have provided insight into the complex nature of such crimes, quickly devolved into shouting matches. Anchors, far from facilitating meaningful dialogue, engaged in overt speculation. The victim’s personal life was dragged into the public eye, with panelists questioning her choices, relationships, and professional conduct as if these details were relevant to the brutal crime committed against her.

The absurdity of such coverage cannot be overstated. Instead of addressing the broader issues—the safety of women in public spaces, institutional lapses at the hospital, or law enforcement’s response—the narrative remained firmly fixed on salacious and often misleading details. The case, rather than being an opportunity to critique the hospital’s failure or expose potential criminal networks within the healthcare sector, became yet another instance of media malpractice.

It is essential to investigate the hospital’s atmosphere, where rumors suggest the presence of malpractices and covert criminal activities. These are the core issues that need attention, not the victim’s lifestyle. Yet, the media’s obsession with these irrelevant aspects detracts from the pressing need to look into potential cover-ups, systemic issues within the hospital, and broader safety concerns for both staff and patients.

The Disturbing Trend of Trial by Media

This case is not the first example of such irresponsible journalism. Bharatiya TV news channels have repeatedly prioritized viewership and ratings over facts and responsible reporting. The Kolkata doctor’s rape case merely follows a now-familiar pattern where the media becomes the prosecutor, the jury, and the executioner—often distorting the facts for sensationalism. This trend, fueled by the need to attract viewers in a hyper-competitive market, has led to a dangerous erosion of trust in the media.

What’s worse is that this trial by media culture extends beyond the studios. The public discourse is increasingly shaped by these half-baked discussions, where shouting overpowers reason, and speculation takes the place of informed debate. Such coverage fails the victim, the viewers, and society at large.

The Real Issues: Women’s Safety and Institutional Accountability

What should have been the core focus of this case has been glaringly neglected. The rape of a doctor within a hospital environment raises several questions. How did the hospital’s security fail so spectacularly? What are the systemic lapses that allowed this crime to occur? Is there a deeper, darker racket operating within the hospital, as some sources suggest?

These are the issues that the media should have pursued, investigating with diligence and care. Instead, TV channels were more concerned with weaving a sensational narrative around the victim, reducing the gravity of the crime to mere entertainment. The discussion on women’s safety, particularly in professional environments like hospitals, was barely touched upon.

Conclusion

Bharatiya TV news channels, in their relentless pursuit of ratings, have once again failed to fulfill their duty to the public. The coverage of the Kolkata doctor’s rape case has been an example of how sensationalism can overshadow the real issues that matter. Rather than addressing the root causes—women’s safety, systemic failures in hospitals, and law enforcement’s shortcomings—the media opted for lurid speculation and trial by media.

The fallout from such coverage is profound. Not only does it derail justice, but it also perpetuates a culture where victims are vilified, and real concerns are sidelined. It is high time for the media to recalibrate and return to the basics of responsible journalism. Coverage of sensitive cases like this should prioritize facts, accountability, and meaningful discourse over theatrics.

If the Bharatiya media continues on this path, it risks becoming not a watchdog of society but a mere entertainer, oblivious to its crucial role in shaping public opinion and policy. Only when the media steps away from its obsession with ratings and begins to focus on the real issues will justice be served—not just for the victims but for society at large.