NBDSA pulls up NDTV over 'thook jihad' term linked to Hindutva conspiracy theory
madhyamamonline.com
When a broadcaster repeats a conspiracy-theory slur on air, it turbocharges moral panic — this ruling shows how media gatekeeping either breaks or amplifies that cycle.
Moral PanicOtheringMedia GatekeepingConspiracy Theory Diffusion
Theory Briefing
- NBDSA reprimanded NDTV for airing the term 'thook jihad,' a Hindutva conspiracy theory alleging Muslims deliberately spit in food to infect Hindus.
- Moral panic theory explains how such labels dehumanize an out-group by framing ordinary acts as coordinated religious attacks.
- The ruling highlights media gatekeeping failure — broadcasters amplifying fringe conspiracy terms grant them mainstream legitimacy and widen social division.