Zimmedar Media Watch Network India
Creating a network of citizens critically scrutinizing the mainstream Indian media for biased reporting on minority communities, gender and other sensitive issues

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Volunteer as a Zimmedar Citizen

This network is open to all who uphold the spirit of unbiased and responsible reporting in the media. If you notice any reporting in your daily newspaper or TV channel, tell the world about it through this website.

Following are some of the guidelines to be kept in mind while reporting something to us.

1. We are not discussing the social issues themselves on this site - we are only monitoring the reporting of the issues - honest or dishonest.

2. Who should decide what is biased and what is unbiased - it's a tricky question. Just as we expect a newspaper reporter to be honest, we too need to monitor the media honestly. We are not going to unnecessarily throw mud at someone just because we don't like his/her name.

3. You have to make a solid case for what you are reporting - back your arguments with a proof; provide references to more accurate sources.

4. The most important things to look for are the community stereotypes that are established through our popular media. Here are a few examples:

• Muslim population in India is increasing at an alarming rate and will take over the Hindu population one day
• Madrasas are breeding grounds for terrorism
• Muslims are not patriotic Indians - they favour Pakistan more than their own country
• Muslims only consume meat
• Teachings of Islam inspire terrorism
• Muslim rulers played havoc with the ancient Hindu/Vedic culture; Muslims destroyed temples etc. (historical stereotypes)
• Islam and Muslims are generally backward/orthodox/intolerant/violent
• Islam and Muslims suppress women and their dignity/freedom, etc.

5. It would be good idea to discuss your discovery of the biased reporting with friends or other members of Zimmedar, before filing a report here.