India: CFWIJ opposes the return of MJ Akbar to WION newsroom

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September 3, 2021, New Delhi- MJ Akbar is an Indian journalist and politicians who was among the most notable personalities who were accused of sexual harassment during the MeToo moment in India. Priya Ramani alleged that she was sexually harassed by Akbar, following which several women, including women journalists, came forth with their own testimonies against him which ranged from rape to sexual misconduct. It has come to light that Akbar has reentered journalism as a member of the editorial board of Zee group’s channel WION much to the dismay of Indian women journalists.

Tanishka Sodhi, reporter for Indian news media watchdog, Newslaundry, revealed in one of her reports that Akbar has returned to the Indian journalism scene. While an official hire has not been made yet, he has regularly attended the editorial meetings at WION, suggesting that he is likely to be part of the team. Her report also mentioned that the staff at WION appears unhappy with the development.

MJ Akbar’s sexual misconduct became public news in 2018 when Priya Ramani accused him of sexually harassing her. In response, Akbar filed a counter lawsuit alleging defamation. However, several other women came forward to corroborate Ramani’s claims. One of whom was Chief Business Editor, NPR, Pallavi Gogoi who published an article in Washington Post, claiming that Akbar raped her two decades ago. It soon became obvious that there were at least 20 women who were survivors of Akbar’s misconduct. Earlier this year, on February 17, the courts dismissed Akbar’s defamation case, ruling in Ramani’s favour and the judgment was much welcomed in feminist and progressive circles in India.

This return to the newsroom, then, has resulted in distress and anger for several women journalists. Women journalists rightly insist that Akbar’s presence in the newsroom makes it unsafe for women employees of WION.

This widespread anger and disappointment is indicative of the exhaustion women journalists are forced to confront in the news media industry, where even after multiple testimonies, men with a history of gendered violence do not face consequences for their actions. The presence of MJ Akbar is not only a sexual threat, but a regular reminder to women employees of WION that their employer organization will not back them in case they are endangered by Akbar’s presence. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism extends solidarity to women journalists in India and condemns the move by Zee group to allow MJ Akbar access to a workplace which primarily exists to hold power to account. There are several qualified journalists who could have taken on a similar role, however Zee’s insistence to bring back Akbar spotlights the terrible gender politics of the news media industry. Women journalists in India deserve a better and more supportive industry.