Maya Sharma on Indian Journalism’s Future | Sandhya Mendonca 

What does it take to tell the stories that shape a nation? And how does a journalist hold on to truth, independence and professional integrity in a media landscape that is constantly changing?

In this episode of Spotlight with Sandhya, Sandhya Mendonca speaks with veteran journalist Maya Sharma in Good News, Bad News, a candid conversation about a career spent documenting India’s defining moments.

From the early days of television journalism at Doordarshan to her years at NDTV and the rise of digital media, Maya reflects on the stories, people and events that have shaped both her career and the country.

Drawing on personal notes, scripts and memories from decades in the field, she offers a glimpse into the realities of reporting history as it unfolds. As Maya recalls, some of the stories she worked on changed the way we live today.

The conversation explores what it means to be a woman journalist in India. Maya speaks about the practical challenges of working in the field, the importance of safety, and the unspoken expectations women often navigate in the profession. She explains why she chose to remain in Bengaluru even as the media industry drew many ambitious journalists towards Delhi and Mumbai.

Sandhya and Maya also examine the relationship between journalism and political power. They discuss the pressures surrounding media independence, the ethical dilemmas journalists face, and the influence of funding and revenue models on news organisations. Maya reflects on how journalistic training and professional standards have evolved, and what these changes mean for those entering the newsroom today.

Despite her concerns about the direction of Indian journalism, Maya remains hopeful. She sees youth protests and social movements as signs of a generation increasingly willing to question established systems and engage with the issues shaping its future.

The conversation also touches on Maya’s book, which took her three and a half years to write. Drawing on decades of first-hand experience, the project brings together her reflections on India’s political and social history — a reminder of the time, discipline and perspective required to make sense of a rapidly changing country.

At its heart, this is a conversation about more than a career in journalism. It is about the responsibility that comes with telling other people’s stories, the pressures of working in the public interest, and the importance of asking difficult questions even when the answers are uncomfortable.

For anyone interested in the media, India’s democracy or the future of public discourse, Maya Sharma’s reflections offer a thoughtful perspective on the challenges facing journalism — and the reasons to keep believing in its purpose.

Recorded at Qubix HiFi, Museum Road, Bengaluru.

Produced by Raintree Media Originals.

Spotlight with Sandhya is a Raintree Media series featuring candid conversations with people whose experiences and ideas offer a deeper understanding of the world around us.

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