Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has called the declining credibility of the media the biggest challenge facing institutions, urging journalists and media organisations to work towards restoring public trust.
Gadkari was speaking on ‘Media, Leadership and the New World Order’ at the IIM Nagpur Media Conclave 2026. He said an independent, fair and impartial media, along with an independent judiciary, is essential for the progress of democracy.
‘Media credibility has declined the most’
Gadkari said credibility, goodwill and honesty are among the biggest assets for any sector in the 21st century. He acknowledged that credibility has declined across several fields, but said the media faces the biggest credibility crisis.
“There is a crisis of credibility in all sectors, including politics, but the crisis of credibility in the media sector is the biggest problem,” he said, according to PTI.
He said not all media organisations had lost their credibility and urged the media to introspect and take steps to regain public trust. Gadkari also noted that the rise of social media has changed the influence traditionally exercised by newspapers and television over public opinion and elections.
‘Media is one of four pillars of democracy’
Gadkari described India as the world’s largest democracy and stressed the need for qualitative changes in the democratic system.
He said the Constitution defines the responsibilities of the legislature, executive, judiciary and media, and emphasised that an independent and impartial media and judiciary are vital for democratic development.
Gadkari also stressed the importance of political parties and ideological commitment in a democracy, saying differences in views and ideologies are natural but democratic values must remain central.
Urges journalists to work in public interest
Gadkari advised journalists to focus their reporting on the interests of people, society and the country. He said good journalism, like good work in other fields, eventually earns recognition.
He said only those who protect their credibility and uphold the core values of journalism would remain relevant in the future. He also urged media organisations to contribute to strengthening democracy, safeguarding social and national interests, and increasing public awareness and knowledge.
Gadkari said such efforts could contribute to India’s ambition of becoming a ‘Vishwa Guru’.
IIM Nagpur director, Lloyds Metals MD address event
IIM Nagpur Director Dr Bhimaraya Metri said the country’s youth would play a crucial role in India’s development.
Lloyds Metals and Energy Managing Director B. Prabhakaran said the world views India as a country with a young population, a growing startup ecosystem and a large market. He highlighted entrepreneurship and self-reliance as important drivers of India’s growth.
PTI Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief Vijay Joshi, Business Standard Editorial Director A.K. Bhattacharya, and Blitz India Media Group Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Deepak Dwivedi also attended the conclave.
