Minister P Rajeev Slams MediaOne’s ‘Out of Focus’ Over False Claims
Kerala Minister for Industries, Law and Coir P. Rajeev has strongly criticised MediaOne’s discussion program Out of Focus, after a recent episode drew sharp reactions for presenting what he termed “baseless and misleading narratives.”
The controversy stems from remarks made on the show regarding a so-called “farmhouse in Pazhani” and an alleged interview that was never released publicly.
The discussion panel suggested that the farmhouse and interview had been viewed exclusively by a select few, raising questions about transparency.
Also, read| Come On Kerala: Minister P. Rajeev Inaugurates Hykon’s New EV & Lithium Battery Factory In Kochi
Minister Rajeev questioned the very basis of the claims aired, asking whether any factual verification was done before such “authoritative-sounding statements” were presented as truth.
“It is shocking to see how calmly a lie, which would never sprout if planted, is projected as authentic in the name of journalism,” he remarked.
View this post on Instagram
Following the backlash, senior journalist Pramod Raman clarified that the story had been withdrawn. However, the minister argued that the retraction came too late, as “falsehood had already travelled the world before the truth even had time to put on its shoes.”
Also, read| Keltron Secures Landmark Export Deal: To Supply 3,000 Coconics Laptops To Zimbabwe
MediaOne, a 24×7 Malayalam news channel, airs Out of Focus on both television and its official YouTube platform. The program usually features journalists discussing trending or sensitive issues, offering their perspectives.
