Controversy on Shweta Kothari's class on Media Ethics in IIMC

A broadcast turned digital journalist, Shweta Kothari started teaching at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in Delhi, but her class got immediately cancelled.

In her recent tweet, she said "In an exciting update, I start teaching at @IIMC_India, Delhi this week. At a time when mainstream media has become loud and shallow, I will be teaching ‘role, ethics and responsibilities of media to postgraduate students of journalism."

In an exciting update, I start teaching at @IIMC_India, Delhi this week.

At a time when mainstream media has become loud and shallow, I will be teaching ‘role, ethics and responsibilities’ of media to postgraduate students of journalism. pic.twitter.com/H7hs1pVwgD

— Shweta Kothari (@Shwkothari) December 8, 2022

Hrishikesh Sharma a freelance journalist and alumni of IIMC tweet, "Hindi Journalism students said that Shweta Kothari was shamed by HJ course Director Prof Rakesh Upadhyay for her Facebook post and tweet where She called out mainstream TV channels".

This tweet is about @Shwkothari and saffronisation of IIMC, a premier media institute. Shweta is one of those few credible faces in media fraternity today. She has worked in multiple TV channels as well as the Managing Editor of The Logical Indian. pic.twitter.com/g7gIRPdvob

— Hrishikesh Sharma (@hrishikesh____) December 10, 2022

Prof Upadhyay showed her tweet to the students of Hindi Journalism and said that “She's coming to teach Ethics? What would She teach here? Does She know anything about Ethics? Has She ever worked in mainstream media?"

Students further added "Upadhyay further said that She's coming to teach in a Govt institute. She'll get a salary from the Govt only. How can She write against this Govt or PM? As a professional how can She speak against that media where students are going to work in future?"

Confirmed the incident Shweta Kothari tweeted "I am told a certain prof Upadhaya opened my Twitter in his class of 50 students at @IIMC_India after my Lecture and tried to shame me. For what? Doing my job as a journalist? I fear for the future of our students".

I am told a certain prof Upadhaya opened my Twitter in his class of 50 students at @IIMC_India after my Lecture and tried to shame me. For what? Doing my job as a journalist?

I fear for the future of our students. https://t.co/WeowOSa4ks

— Shweta Kothari (@Shwkothari) December 10, 2022

She further added "Young, gullible students at @IIMC_India are being told - not to question the government or speak on religious issues, otherwise they would not get placed in media. And that is where the future of journalism in India is headed."

Young, gullible students at @IIMC_India are being told - not to question the government or speak on religious issues, otherwise they would not get placed in media.

And that is where the future of journalism in India is headed. pic.twitter.com/jfCGXhIjdm

— Shweta Kothari (@Shwkothari) December 10, 2022

Who is Shweta Kothari?

Shweta Kothari is a prominent Indian journalist, presenter and columnist. Shweta has studied at Maharaja Agrasen College, University of Delhi. Later, she did a postgraduate degree at the University of Sussex.

A broadcaster turned digital journalist Shweta previously worked with CNBC and NewsX as a news anchor and lead correspondent. Shweta has an MA in journalism from the University of Sussex, UK, and she began her career with an internship at the BBC in Scotland.

Reaction

Terribly shocking. Hopefully IIMC that brought you on board will not buckle.

— Poulomi Saha (@PoulomiMSaha) December 10, 2022

I'm sorry to hear that.

IIMC is losing objectiveness in past few years, sadly.

— Tarique Anwer (@tanwer_m) December 10, 2022

Disgusting! You have always impressed me since I first ran into you as a young student., & you still hold true to your high ideals without compromise. Your aim was and is to tell truth to make a better world. Can’t think of anyone better qualified to teach your subject

— James Rae Smith 💙 (@unbadged) December 10, 2022

The rot at IIMC began with the appointment of KG Suresh who blocked me after I asked him some relevant questions on social media.

— Andrew (@AndrewAmsan) December 10, 2022

Absolutely appalling. A brilliant journalist @Shwkothari who was recently brought on board at @IIMC_India was shamed by @Prof_RKU in classes. And now her classes have been cancelled. @IIMC_India shouldn't buckle. I mean for god's sake, this is a premier institute for JOURNALISM https://t.co/GrUZX1VkW7

— Tanushree Pandey (@TanushreePande) December 11, 2022

Shocking politicisation of @IIMC_India, and instead of questioning @Prof_RKU over his conduct, classes of @Shwkothari have been cancelled.

My guess is at the end @IIMC_India will suspend @Shwkothari's classes and no action will be taken against @Prof_RKU. https://t.co/xO03ybxfcC

— Akshay Dongare (@AkshayDongare_) December 11, 2022

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