It is an open secret that the media in Andhra Pradesh are divided into pro-Jaganmohan Reddy and anti-Jaganmohan Reddy groups and this is fact known to everybody, irrespective of the tall claims by the media that they are independent and impartial.

The rule applies to both the print as well as the electronic media. While Sakshi has been an out and out mouthpiece of Jagan as it was his own media venture, two other television channels – TV5 and NTV were also part of his bandwagon. And another not so popular channel I-News, which is part of NTV group, was also singing Jagan tune. There were reports that Jagan had extended financial assistance to these channels at the time of 2009 elections. The periodical election surveys conducted by these channels were also in favour of Jagan.

However, of late, NTV appears to have changed its tune and shifted its loyalty to the Congress party. Apart from giving prominent coverage to the press conferences of Jagan-bashing Congress leaders, this channel is highlighting the election rallies of chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and Chiranjeevi. What is interesting is its recent special coverage on Jagan’s alleged political immaturity and lack of proper strategy.

One wonders whether this channel got any financial assistance from the Congress party or the Chief Minister. There might also be some sort of blackmailing by the Congress party, say insiders.