Until recently, the YSR Congress Party, led by former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, had primarily targeted three media houses — Eenadu (and its channel ETV), Andhra Jyothy (along with ABN-Andhra Jyothy), and TV5 — branding them collectively as “yellow media” for their perceived bias towards the Telugu Desam Party.
Other major media outlets like TV9 and NTV, along with Sakshi (owned by Jagan’s family), enjoyed the goodwill of Jagan and the YSRCP.
In contrast, the TDP, led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has maintained its distance from these channels, believing they aligned too closely with YSRCP’s narrative.
However, recent reports suggest that NTV, owned by Narendra Chowdary (a member of Naidu’s community), has gradually shifted its stance.
For the past few months, the channel has adopted a more neutral editorial tone, moving away from its previously perceived pro-YSRCP, anti-TDP approach.
Sources say that although Chowdary made efforts to build rapport with the TDP following last year’s assembly elections, Naidu did not reciprocate.
Consequently, NTV remains on uneasy terms with the TDP. Still, the channel has refrained from publishing or airing negative content against the party or Naidu himself. It appears Chowdary hopes to maintain at least a non-hostile relationship with the ruling establishment.
This editorial shift has reportedly angered the YSRCP leadership. A senior party leader, known to be close to Jagan, allegedly called Narendra Chowdary and berated him for softening coverage on Naidu and not supporting the YSRCP as expected.
The confrontation reportedly led to a heated exchange, during which Chowdary stood his ground, stating that NTV is not a puppet of Jagan or his party and that it would continue to pursue an independent and neutral editorial policy.
“He made it clear that NTV will not succumb to political pressure and will not act as a mouthpiece for any party,” a source revealed.
Ultimately, as a businessman, Chowdary is keen to avoid alienating those in power. Adopting a visibly pro-YSRCP stance may not serve his long-term interests, especially with the political tide turning in Andhra Pradesh.
