Beyond the anchor's desk: How online educators are winning young audiences

By Mohd. Ziyaullah Khan* 

India is witnessing a significant shift in public discourse. What was once largely a contest between political parties, activists, governments, and established media institutions is increasingly becoming a dialogue shaped by young citizens using digital platforms to question, investigate, and challenge dominant narratives.

The recent controversies surrounding competitive examinations, particularly NEET, have brought this transformation into sharper focus. Allegations of paper leaks, irregularities in examination processes, and concerns about transparency triggered widespread anxiety among students and parents across the country. Yet what distinguished this episode was not merely the controversy itself, but the manner in which it unfolded in the public sphere.

Many of the questions being raised did not originate from traditional newsrooms. Instead, students, online educators, and social media users increasingly took it upon themselves to analyse available information, scrutinise official explanations, and amplify issues that directly affected them. Whether all their claims ultimately prove correct is a separate matter. What is significant is that a generation that once depended almost entirely on newspapers and television channels for information is now actively producing, examining, and disseminating information on its own.

This shift has fundamentally altered the relationship between young citizens and traditional media institutions. During the NEET controversy, many students and independent commentators conducted their own investigations, highlighted perceived inconsistencies, and shared technical analyses online. These efforts generated public discussions that often spread faster than coverage in conventional media outlets.

Parallel to this development has been the growing influence of online educators. Platforms such as YouTube have transformed teachers into public figures with audiences running into millions. Initially known for helping students prepare for competitive examinations, many of these educators have gradually expanded their role beyond teaching. Today, they frequently discuss educational policy, examination reforms, student welfare, and institutional accountability.

As a result, many students view these educators not only as instructors but also as representatives of their concerns. During periods of educational controversy, students often turn to these familiar voices for explanations, updates, and interpretations of complex developments. The trust they command reflects both their accessibility and their sustained engagement with issues that directly affect young people.

The growing popularity of online educators has inevitably led to tensions with sections of the mainstream media. A recent exchange involving television anchor Anjana Om Kashyap and several online educators brought this conflict into public view. Remarks made during discussions on educational issues triggered strong reactions from educators and their supporters. What began as a television debate soon spilled onto social media, where students, teachers, and commentators engaged in a broader discussion about the role of media in holding institutions accountable.

For many young observers, the controversy symbolised a larger question. If journalism's primary function is to ask difficult questions and scrutinise power, why are increasing numbers of students turning to independent educators and digital creators for answers?

Part of the answer lies in the changing nature of information consumption. Unlike traditional television broadcasts, digital platforms allow audiences to verify claims in real time, access multiple perspectives, review official documents, and engage directly with content creators. Students can compare competing narratives and participate in discussions rather than merely consuming information passively.

This has created a perception among many young viewers that digital platforms offer greater transparency and responsiveness than traditional news formats. Whether that perception is entirely justified remains open to debate, but it has undoubtedly contributed to the growing influence of independent educators and online commentators.

A recurring criticism from students and digital creators is that sections of the mainstream media have become increasingly focused on political spectacle and partisan narratives at the expense of investigative journalism. Critics argue that issues such as examination irregularities, unemployment, educational reform, and institutional accountability often receive less sustained attention than high-decibel political debates and sensational programming.

As a consequence, trust in traditional media appears to be weakening among sections of the younger generation. The challenge facing mainstream media is therefore not simply competition from YouTube channels or social media influencers. It is the larger task of rebuilding credibility among audiences who are increasingly questioning the priorities and motivations of news organisations.

At the same time, the rise of digital voices should not be viewed uncritically. Social media can democratise information, but it can also facilitate the rapid spread of misinformation. Online educators and content creators with large audiences carry responsibilities similar to those of journalists. Facts must be verified, allegations should be supported by evidence, and public discussions must remain grounded in accuracy rather than outrage.

The future of public discourse will likely depend on striking a balance between the speed, accessibility, and participatory nature of digital platforms and the professional standards of verification traditionally associated with journalism. Neither model is sufficient on its own. A healthy information ecosystem requires both accountability and credibility.

The popularity of online educators is therefore not merely a digital trend. It is also a reflection of public demand for transparency, responsiveness, and engagement. When students feel unheard by established institutions, they naturally seek alternative platforms. When concerns remain unanswered, new spokespersons emerge.

The ongoing friction between online educators and sections of the mainstream media represents more than a disagreement between television anchors and YouTube teachers. It reflects a deeper transformation in India's information ecosystem. Today's youth are more connected, more informed, and more willing to challenge established narratives than previous generations. They no longer consume information passively; they participate in its creation, distribution, and scrutiny.

For traditional media, this moment presents an opportunity for introspection rather than confrontation. If news organisations recommit themselves to rigorous reporting, investigative journalism, and a willingness to ask difficult questions irrespective of political considerations, they can regain the confidence of audiences. If they fail to do so, the distance between mainstream media and younger citizens is likely to widen further, creating more space for alternative voices to occupy a role once dominated by conventional journalism.

The debate sparked by educational controversies is ultimately a debate about trust. Students seek transparency, educators demand accountability, and citizens want reliable information. Whether these expectations are met by television newsrooms, digital creators, or a combination of both will shape the future of public discourse in India. What is already evident, however, is that young Indians are no longer silent spectators. They have become active participants in the national conversation, and their influence on public debate continues to grow.

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*Freelance content writer and editor based in Nagpur; co-founder of TruthScape, a group of digital activists working to counter disinformation on social media