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South Central
The News Minute
60 episodes
4 days ago
Welcome to South Central, a podcast from The News Minute dedicated to bringing the south of India to the forefront. Each episode dives into the stories, challenges, and perspectives that shape the region and often go unheard in national conversations. South Central is led by TNM's Editor-in-Chief Dhanya Rajendran and co-hosted by TNM's Reporting Head, Pooja Prasanna. Together, they bring sharp insights, on-the-ground expertise, and a commitment to exploring the issues that truly matter in the south.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Politics
News,
News Commentary
RSS
All content for South Central is the property of The News Minute and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to South Central, a podcast from The News Minute dedicated to bringing the south of India to the forefront. Each episode dives into the stories, challenges, and perspectives that shape the region and often go unheard in national conversations. South Central is led by TNM's Editor-in-Chief Dhanya Rajendran and co-hosted by TNM's Reporting Head, Pooja Prasanna. Together, they bring sharp insights, on-the-ground expertise, and a commitment to exploring the issues that truly matter in the south.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Politics
News,
News Commentary
Episodes (20/60)
South Central
Chandrababu Naidu’s RSS shift and the Kochi Biennale controversy | South Central Episode 57

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the recent political developments in Andhra Pradesh, including CM Chandrababu Naidu’s growing affiliation with the BJP. They are joined by professor, politician, and political analyst K Nageshwar.

In the second part of the discussion, the hosts delve into the controversy at the Kochi Biennale, where a painting by artist Tom Vattakuzhy, titled ‘Supper at Nunnery’ was withdrawn due to pressure from Christian groups. The hosts also discuss resistance to art in general, and are joined by Kavitha Balakrishnan, an art history lecturer, poet, curator and author.


Read the Sridhar Vembu profile


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introduction 

00:02:05 - Headlines 

00:10:10 - Andhra Politics 

00:52:05 - Kochi Biennale Row 

01:15:39- Recommendations 


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 days ago
1 hour 20 minutes 45 seconds

South Central
10-minute delivery at what cost? South Central on gig worker rights | Episode 56

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the strike by gig workers on December 25th and 31st, what their demands are and whether the existing framework of payouts and stipulated minimum delivery time violates their rights.


The hosts are joined by Shaikh Salahuddin, founder and president of Telangana Gig And Platform Workers Union, and Maitreyi Krishnan, a lawyer and president of the All India Lawyers Association for Justice.

In the second part of the discussion, the hosts delve into the upcoming elections in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and what alliances will fly and which of them will likely fail. The hosts are joined by senior journalist Dr RK Radhakrishnan.


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introduction 

00:03:10 - Headlines 

00:12:03 - Gig Workers Strike  

00:52:16 - TN & Kerala Elections 

01:27:02- Recommendations


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Megha Mukundan, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
1 week ago
1 hour 31 minutes 53 seconds

South Central
Hafta X South Central: Highs & lows of media in 2025, influencers in news, Arnab’s ‘turnaround’

For this special year-ender episode, Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri and Manisha Pande and The News Minute’s Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna are joined by columnist and media critic Santosh Desai.

The conversation begins with a wrap of the Indian media ecosystem this year. Santosh says, “Institutions are struggling to retain credibility and resist pressure.” Dhanya argues that mainstream media exerts significant influence over people, but on social media, the results vary.

Discussing the state of the media more specifically in Karnataka, Pooja notes that although it's “heavily compromised”, it can still be seen as a “lesser evil” compared to the Hindi and English media.

Manisha argues that, in terms of news consumption, the internet can be very ruthless – in contrast to legacy media, which does not have to face the crash and burn. She cites the example of Beer Biceps, whose rapid rise and fall illustrate this ruthlessness.

Some influencers, Dhanya says, have also realised that “credibility comes with consistency”. On the economic front, Abhinandan explains, “It is the lethargy of legacy media that is reflected in their belief about how business is done – in large spaces and studios. Hence, sustainability and viewership become two completely different things.”

The panel also discusses advertisements that make them nostalgic. Dhanya says, “Now, we pay to remove ads. I cannot remember the last time I watched an ad.” Meanwhile, Abhinandan notes, “The death of ads is the death of jingles, which in turn traces to the death of radio.”

While discussing Arnab Goswami's recent shows that questioned the central government, Pooja remarks, “This man can damage the country by stooping so low, but all it takes for him to be viewed as a crusader is the targeting of a soft issue as a larger strategy.”

This and a lot more. Tune in!

Letters to NL Hafta and South Central: ‘Pointless’ Nikhil Kamath article, love for Dhanya and improving AQI

2025 is coming to an end, make it count: https://rzp.io/rzp/gnWUWkc


Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/south-central


For viewers outside India: https://buy.stripe.com/dR6bK841T9ll0GAeVg


South Central Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/fotHnLrY7uEVbzSB8


Recommendations: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SuGm5-JwvRc4SCazAtW9956IKfsy3RrTJOFMsvbhmGE/edit?gid=0#gid=0

To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here

Timecodes

00:00:00 - Introductions & announcements

00:02:16 - Headlines

00:07:30 - Brands vs individuals: Understanding news models 

00:33:15 - Karnataka Hate Speech Bill

00:38:00 - How has advertising changed?

00:59:00 - Santosh’s recommendations

01:00:00 - Arnab Goswami’s turnaround 

01:07:00 - Christmas violence  

01:12:00 - Letters

01:35:13 - Recommendations 



Song: Badumbaaa - Zumba Zumba


References

Prasar Bharati’s curliest tale: How taxpayer money was used for influencer content



Kiran Bedi Tapes: Does the law allow a ‘concerned mother’ to request a surveillance operation?



Read Santosh Desai’s columns 



Abhinandan’s interview with Dhruv Rathee 



Abhinandan’s interview with Harvinder Kaur Chowdhury




Recommendations

Santosh Desai 

New India by Rahul Bhatia 

Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Pluribus

The Expanse



Abhinandan 

Believer's Dilemma: Vajpayee and the Hindu Right's Path to Power, 1977–2018 by Abhishek Choudhary

Vajpayee: The Ascent of the Hindu Right, 1924–1977 by Abhishek Choudhary 

Pooja Prasanna

A Controversial Judge 

Dhanya

The Dig: Keeladi and the Politics of India's Past by Sowmiya Ashok

Serial

The Muhammad Yunus government played with fire, now Bangladesh burns again

Believer's Dilemma



Manisha 

Shattered Lands : Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia by Sam Dalrymple


Gods Guns & Missionaries: The Making of the Modern Hindu Identity by Manu S. Pillai

Subscribe to Newslaundry and The News Minute

Lapgun DJ



Check out previous Hafta recommendations, references, songs and letters.



Recorded and produced by Priyali Dhingra. Production assistance by Megha Mukundan and  Ajay. Edited by Saif Ali Ekram.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 weeks ago
1 hour 42 minutes 40 seconds

South Central
Census, Delimitation & MNREGA Pushback | South Central Episode 55

In this year-ender episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss federalism and how it has fared in India. They are joined by economist and author Rathin Roy, and TNM’s Associate Editor Nandini Chandrasekhar.


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


00:00:00- Introduction 

00:02:01 - Headlines 

00:15:53 - Federalism

01:17:29- Recommendations 


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
3 weeks ago
1 hour 20 minutes 48 seconds

South Central
The State of Investigative Journalism in 2025 India | South Central Episode 54

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss whether investigative journalism is becoming one of the most endangered professions in India or is that a misplaced fear. Looking back at 2025, the conversation focuses on how much space investigative reporting still has, the risks journalists face, and whether strong reporting is able to create real impact. 


They are joined by investigative journalists Josy Joseph, founder of Confluence Media, Rema Nagarajan, senior editor-research at Times of India and independent journalist Nikita Saxena.


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introduction 

00:00:51 - Kerala Actor Assault Case

00:01:48 - Headlines 

00:13:07 - Investigative Journalism in India 

01:03:10- Recommendations 


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
1 hour 9 minutes 34 seconds

South Central
Secularism, Religion and the Indian State in 2025 | South Central 53

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss India’s Constitutional value of secularism and the contradictions in its practice. The panel delves into how India has fared, or not, in prioritising Constitutional values vis-à-vis political agenda. They are joined by journalist and activist Aakar Patel and Seema Chishti, the editorial head of The Wire.


Reporting Fund: The Shady Business of Stolen Footage


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.

Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introduction 

00:01:07 - CCTV series

00:03:56- Dileep Case Verdict

00:06:07 - Headlines 

00:16:29 - Secularism in India

01:29:41- Recommendations


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 33 minutes 12 seconds

South Central
The Dileep case and how SIR is unfolding across states | South Central 52

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the Kerala actor assault case of 2017, which superstar Dileep is accused of orchestrating. As the verdict is expected in a week, the hosts take us through the details of the case and its impact on Kerala society. They are joined by TNM’s Associate Editor, Sukanya Shaji and Breaking News Head, Azeefa Fathima. In the second session, the hosts delve into the SIR, the pressure exerted on BLOS, and the discrepancies in the process itself. The guests are joined by TNM’s Tamil Nadu Bureau Chief Shabbir Ahmed.


The News Minute & Newslaundry 26% discount offer


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introduction 

00:01:11 - 26% Discount

00:05:16 - Headlines 

00:12:57 - Dileep Case Verdict 

00:48:03 - SIR Across States

01:16:22- Recommendations


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 20 minutes 20 seconds

South Central
Sridhar Vembu’s Anti-Vaccine Claim and Privatisation of Govt Hospitals and Medical Colleges | South Central 51

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the anti-vaccine statements made by billionaire Sridhar Vembu. In the second session, the hosts delve into the efforts of several governments, including Karnataka and Andhra, to implement a PPP model in the health education sector. The hosts are joined by Dr PV Ramesh, IAS, and Dr Sylvia Karpagam, a public health doctor with more than two decades of experience.


Let Me Explain is 100 not out


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introduction 

00:01:08 - LME 100

00:02:22 - Headlines 

00:13:33 - Vembu’s Anti-Vax Claim 

00:47:36 - Privatisation of hospitals 

01:18:53- Recommendations 


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 24 minutes 52 seconds

South Central
How Kerala says it ended extreme poverty, & inside Zohran Mamdani’s NYC mayoral win | South Central

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth first discuss Kerala’s announcement that it has eradicated extreme poverty. They are joined by T.V. Anupama, IAS officer and Special Secretary, Local Self Government Department and Devaswom, and Freddy Thomas, Assistant Professor at the School of Law, Christ University. The discussion explores how families were identified, the state’s micro-plan approach to welfare, and the challenges of sustaining such interventions over time.


In the second part of the episode, the hosts are joined by senior journalist Prajwal Bhatt from New York to discuss Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City’s mayor. Prajwal explains how Mamdani’s campaign mobilised young voters and sections of Indian Americans, including “Hindus for Zohran,” while drawing sharp reactions from segments of the Indian right wing.


Read: Ayodhya of the south


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introduction 

00:01:44 - Ayodhya of the south 

00:04:03 - Headlines 

00:14:02 - Kerala eradicates extreme poverty 

00:49:26 - Mamdani wins

01:09:51 - Yogendra Yadav on SIR  

01:25:02- Recommendations 


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 28 minutes 8 seconds

South Central
Why ECI is pushing SIR, Yogendra Yadav explains | What the Bumble & Ranjith cases reveal about consent

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth first discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls across the country, and the controversies surrounding it. The hosts are joined by activist and psephologist Yogendra Yadav. In the second part of the session, the hosts discuss two High Court orders–from Kerala and Karnataka– that quash FIRs in sexual harassment cases. They are joined by former lawyer and journalist Sukanya Shaji.


This week's episode is brought to you by Newslaundry. Click here to support


The Shady Business of Stolen Footage: Support the report fund



Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Audio Timecodes 


00:00:00- Introduction 

00:01:44 - CCTV Series 

00:02:47 - Headlines 

00:08:45 - Support Newslaundry 

00:09:45 - Headlines

00:15:12 - Yogendra Yadav on SIR  

00:54:55- Bumble & Ranjith Cases

01:15:38- Recommendations 


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 22 minutes 30 seconds

South Central
Kerala school hijab row and Andhra–Karnataka fight over Google Centre

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth first discuss the hijab controversy in Kerala, and whether it is a question of faith or the right to education. The hosts are joined by senior journalist Shahina KK and TNM’s Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal. In the second part of the session, the hosts discuss the newly announced Google data centre in Visakhapatnam, whether it is viable for the state, and the row between Karnataka and Andhra ministers over it. The hosts are joined by Indulekha Aravind, a senior journalist who primarily writes on business.


Celebrate Deepavali with us with this special offer: https://pages.razorpay.com/deepavali25


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introduction 

00:01:04: Diwali Offer

00:01:52 - RSF Press Freedom Nomination

00:05:05 - Headlines 

00:19:00 - Kerala Hijab row  

00:58:10- Karnataka-Andhra Spat

01:15:27- Recommendations 


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
1 hour 18 minutes 16 seconds

South Central
Why Dashwanth Was Acquitted | RSS Marches, Lathis and Secular Space

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth first discuss the Supreme Court’s acquittal of Dashwanth, convicted and sentenced to death for the rape and murder of a minor girl in Tamil Nadu. They are joined by Azeefa Fathima, TNM’s head of Breaking News. In the second part of the session, the hosts discuss the RSS’s centenary year and the outfit’s presence in the southern states. They are joined by historian and author V Geetha, and TNM’s Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal.


Celebrate Deepavali with us with this special offer: https://pages.razorpay.com/deepavali25


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introduction 

00:01:35: Diwali Offer

00:02:48 - Headlines 

00:12:18 - Dashwanth Case  

00:43:38- RSS in south India

01:24:05- Recommendations 


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 29 minutes 29 seconds

South Central
Trailer: South Central
Putting south India at the centre

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
3 months ago
49 seconds

South Central
Right-wing attack against CJI Gavai | The power of cults in Indian politics

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss whether the attack on the Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, is more than what just meets the eye. Justice Gavai is the second Dalit CJI of India. The hosts are joined by Ajoy Ashirwad, Political Affairs Editor, The Wire, and veteran journalist K Venkataramanan. In the second part of the session, the hosts and guests discuss the power of cults in politics and the power of fans when stars become politicians.


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introduction 

00:02:42 - Headlines 

00:13:56 - CJI Gavai Attack  

00:43:02- Power of Cults in Politics

01:09:21 - Recommendations 



Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 13 minutes 15 seconds

South Central
Hafta x South Central feat. Josy Joseph: A crossover episode on the future of media

This week, The News Minute's Dhanya Rajendran and Sudipto Mondal, and Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri and Manisha Pande áre joined by senior journalist Josy Joseph for a special and South Central and Hafta crossover episode on the future of media.


Josy begins the discussion by arguing that the decline of newspapers and television is accelerating, not only due to technology, but also because of a compromised business model. He points out that while balance sheets are “artificially protected” through government and corporate advertising, the reality is stark.

Dhanya shares hard lessons on what audiences pay for. While issues like climate change receive constant calls for coverage, they draw little financial support. “Everybody’s always asking why you guys are not reporting on the environment… but that is one fund people hardly pay,” she says. 

Manisha adds that the future role of journalism lies in helping audiences think critically in an “age of reels and feels.” 

“While others can trigger emotions, journalists can provide context, history, and perspective,” she says. 

On the replacement for legacy media, Josy says, “What you people are doing at The News Minute and Newslaundry, to me, is a great laboratory of experiment. You are actually bringing journalism back as the intellectual property for which people should pay,” he says. 


Timecodes

00:00:00 – Introductions and announcements

00:12:26 – Headlines 

00:37:42 -  Discussion on the future of media 

01:28:17 - Recommendations


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.

Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here



Produced by Priyali Dhingra (Newslaundry), Bhuvan Malik (TNM), with production assistance by Ajay.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 38 minutes 18 seconds

South Central
Karnataka Socio-Educational Survey Explained | Producers, Access and the Movie Ticket Cap Debate | South Central 45

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the controversy in Karnataka over the socio-educational survey, wrongly called the caste census. The hosts are joined by guests Anisha Sheth, TNM’s Karnataka Bureau Chief, and Shivasundar, writer and activist. In the second part of the session, the hosts discuss whether the price of movie tickets should be capped to make them affordable for common people. They are joined by film producer, writer, and director G Dhananjayan.


Reporting Fund: The Shady Business of Stolen Footage


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introduction 

00:01:24 - Reporting Fund 

00:03:30 - Headlines 

00:17:26 - Socio-Education Survey 

00:44:29- Cap on Movie tickets

01:04:31 - Recommendations


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


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Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


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Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 7 minutes 47 seconds

South Central
Anti-Immigrant Protests: Are Indians Safe Abroad? | Press Freedom & Court Orders | South Central 44

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the safety of Indians abroad in the context of a surge in anti-immigration sentiments across Ireland, US, UK and more. 


Joining them are guests Joyojeet Pal and Bharathy Singaravel. The second part of the discussion is on two court orders– one, on Reliance Vantara, which says no further complaints will be entertained against the Ambanis’ enterprise. The second is an ex parte injunction in favour of the Adani group, allowing them to add any number of URLs to be taken down–YouTube, Instagram, and others, including an episode of South Central. Investigative journalist Saurav Das joins the hosts. 


Reporting Fund: India's Hidden Digital Exploitation


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Audio Timecodes


00:00:00 - Introduction 

00:00:43 - Support TNM 

00:03:36 - Headlines 

00:09:05 - Are Indians safe abroad? 

00:50:45 - Freedom of press at stake? 

1:14:36 - Recommendations



Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 18 minutes 57 seconds

South Central
Umar Khalid’s UAPA Bail Rejection & Southern Leaders' Secularism Dilemma | South Central 43

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the long legal process endured by Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others who have been in prison without trial. The hosts are joined by lawyer and activist Shahrukh Alam and Poorna Ravishankar, lawyer and researcher whose focus area of study has been the Indian Constitution.


In the second part of the discussion, the hosts discuss how political leaders in the South are navigating the thin line between secularism and faith. They are joined by Dr Meera Velayudhan, a writer, policy analyst, activist, feminist scholar, and former president of IAWS. She is the daughter of Dakshayani Velayudhan, the youngest and only Dalit member of the Constituent Assembly.


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introductions

00:03:03 - Media Rumble

00:04:47- Headlines

00:09:58 - UAPA: Umar Khalid and Sharjeel 

00:46:50- Southern CMs and Secularism 

 1:20:43 - Recommendations 


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
4 months ago
1 hour 26 minutes 20 seconds

South Central
Kavitha’s Exit from BRS: Patriarchy in Politics? States Push Back on GST | South Central 42

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss K Kavitha’s resignation from the BRS and what it reveals about power, patriarchy, and BC mobilisation in Telangana, set against the Kaleshwaram probe and the CBI-consent twist. They are joined by Tara Krishnaswamy, Political and Policy Consultant, and C Vanaja, Senior Journalist & Founder, Mahua Media, to unpack the family dynamics, the party calculus, and what Kavitha does next.


In the second part, the panel turns to the new GST regime, where federalism is at the heart of the debate. While consumers see gains from simplified taxation and lower rates, many states flag mounting revenue losses and shrinking fiscal space. 


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Announcement

00:01:28 - Gauri Lankesh 

00:04:41- Headlines

00:10:13 - Kavitha’s BRS Exit 

00:45:40- New GST Regime 

 01:05:47 - Letters 

1:07:25 - Recommendations 


Remembering Gauri Lankesh: Impunity in journalist killings in India 


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
4 months ago
1 hour 12 minutes 14 seconds

South Central
Questions over Ambani’s Vantara & the farce of Rahul Mamkootathil as MLA

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss Anant Ambani’s Vantara project and how, under the guise of animal rescue, it may be hiding something far more sinister. They are joined by investigative journalist M Rajshekhar, who has looked into Vantara’s formation, investigating deep into the problems in law, compliance, and more. In the second part of the discussion, the panel weighs in on the allegations of sexual misconduct against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. The hosts are joined by journalists KK Shahina and Sukanya Shaji.


Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00- Introductions

00:01:27 - Support TNM 

00:02:52 - Headlines 

00:08:05 - Dharmasthala Case

00:13:25 - Vantara 

00:41:53- Rahul Mamkootathil allegations

01:11:25 - Recommendations 



Read Nidhi Suresh's Story: Against God’s men: A nun, a bishop, and the trial of India’s Catholic Church


Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com 

Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.


You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.


Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.


Become a subscriber - Click here.


Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. 


To check out our other shows, Click here 


To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here


Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
4 months ago
1 hour 17 minutes 49 seconds

South Central
Welcome to South Central, a podcast from The News Minute dedicated to bringing the south of India to the forefront. Each episode dives into the stories, challenges, and perspectives that shape the region and often go unheard in national conversations. South Central is led by TNM's Editor-in-Chief Dhanya Rajendran and co-hosted by TNM's Reporting Head, Pooja Prasanna. Together, they bring sharp insights, on-the-ground expertise, and a commitment to exploring the issues that truly matter in the south.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.