Introduction: WikiLeaks Revelations on Internews in India
WikiLeaks Revelations — A fresh set of documents released by WikiLeaks Revelations has shed light on the activities of Internews, an international nonprofit organization headquartered in Arcata, California, USA, in training journalists in India. According to the leaked cables, the media development organization has been engaged in training programs across the country, raising questions about the influence of foreign agencies on journalistic practices and press freedoms in India.
Leaked Documents Reveal Foreign Influence on Indian Journalism
The documents suggest that Internews, which operates globally with funding from various Western government bodies and private foundations, has been conducting media training workshops in India, particularly focusing on investigative journalism, digital security, and fact-checking. The WikiLeaks Revelations have sparked a debate in media and political circles about the potential impact of such training initiatives on journalistic independence in the country.
The WikiLeaks Revelations indicate that Internews has worked with Indian journalists, both aspiring and experienced, in providing technical training and sensitization on reporting sensitive issues. The training covered topics like freedom of expression, online security, misinformation detection, and investigative techniques. Some reports also suggest that workshops were conducted in partnership with local news organizations and NGOs.
The leaked documents, part of the WikiLeaks Revelations, further reveal that these training programs in India were primarily funded by the U.S. government, including agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Additionally, private philanthropic foundations, including the Open Society Foundations (OSF), have contributed financial support. According to the documents, over $5 million was allocated for various journalism training initiatives in India over the past decade.
While Internews has maintained that its objective is to strengthen independent journalism and improve media literacy, critics argue that foreign-funded training could create biases in reporting, making journalists susceptible to Western influence. The WikiLeaks Revelations emphasize concerns that such programs might impact the neutrality of news reporting in India. However, Internews has denied any political agenda, stating that its focus remains on fostering credible and unbiased journalism.
Among the journalists who have participated in Internews-affiliated programs in India are prominent figures such as Pratik Sinha, co-founder of the fact-checking website Alt News, and Ravish Kumar, a well-known journalist formerly associated with NDTV. Both have been linked to training sessions conducted in collaboration with organizations like the Sambhaavnaa Institute of Public Policy and Politics, founded by activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan. These associations, highlighted in the WikiLeaks Revelations, have raised eyebrows regarding potential biases introduced through such training programs.
Experts have presented mixed opinions on the matter. While some have welcomed the initiative as an effort to enhance journalistic capabilities and ethics in India, others have expressed concerns about the external influence on India’s press ecosystem, especially after the WikiLeaks Revelations.
Renowned media analyst Dr. Rajesh Mehta said, “Foreign NGOs have long played a role in media training, but the concern is whether their funding and training methods align with India’s national interests. Independent journalism should be strengthened, but not at the cost of national integrity.” His remarks reflect the sentiment triggered by the WikiLeaks Revelations.
However, journalist and media trainer Ananya Sharma believes that these workshops help bridge skill gaps in an evolving digital media landscape. “With the rise of misinformation and digital threats, such training is crucial. We should look at the benefits rather than focusing on the origins of the funding,” she remarked, referencing concerns sparked by the WikiLeaks Revelations.
The Indian government has so far remained silent on the latest WikiLeaks Revelations, but there have been past instances where foreign-funded media training programs have faced scrutiny. With increasing concerns about data security and media influence, government bodies have periodically reviewed the activities of international organizations operating in India.
An official from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that authorities were closely monitoring the activities of foreign organizations engaged in journalism training. “While India supports press freedom, we must also ensure that journalism remains free from any undue foreign pressure,” the official stated, acknowledging the issues raised by the WikiLeaks Revelations.
Indian journalists who have attended Internews training programs have mixed views on the revelations. Some acknowledge that the training helped them develop professional skills, while others remain skeptical about the long-term impact of such interventions exposed by the WikiLeaks Revelations.
A senior journalist from a leading news outlet, who participated in one of the workshops, commented, “The sessions on digital security were useful, especially for journalists working on sensitive topics. However, there is a legitimate concern about whether these programs indirectly shape narratives.” This concern has only been intensified by the WikiLeaks Revelations.
On the other hand, an investigative reporter based in Mumbai expressed caution, saying, “We should be vigilant about the sources of media training. If foreign funding is involved, we must question what narratives are being promoted.”
Looking Ahead
As the debate unfolds, the key question remains whether such foreign-led initiatives should be embraced or regulated. While some see them as an opportunity to enhance press freedom and journalistic skills, others worry about the implications of external influence as revealed by the WikiLeaks Revelations.
With no official statement from the government yet, it remains to be seen whether these WikiLeaks Revelations will lead to policy changes regarding international involvement in Indian journalism training programs. For now, the leaked documents have ignited an important conversation about the balance between journalistic independence and foreign-backed initiatives in India’s media landscape.
Stay updated with the latest headlines and in-depth analysis on global news, only at Virgin News
