Recently, Handsome gave an exclusive interview to an English news channel where he "spoke frankly". What went on behind the scenes to arrange this interview is interesting. It gives us a glimpse of how the Indian mainstream media functions.

Thread.

1/n

The channel in question was covering AK49's capital mishandling of the pandemic in depth. Their coverage was used extensively to demonstrate that the city in question was going through terrible Times. Now, this did not go down well with their media baron owner.

2/n

He called the top brass of the news channel for a meeting. It was a one-sided affair in which they were given a dressing down. They were told in no uncertain terms that one of the important factors sustaining them were doles by the Common Man.

3/n

To her credit, the prime-time anchor decided to stand up for the team and defend their decision. She was shot shot down immediately.

"He pays your salary," the media baron told her.

4/n

The media baron had to ensure a peaceful settlement, so that Common Man ads continue. He instructed her to make him "speak frankly". All negative coverage was stopped.

It seems such interventions aren't uncommon, across the board. It isn't much, but it gives us an idea.

n/n