Jyoti Mishra - It’s The Passion That Will Let You Outshine In This Profession (Anchor)

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

It has been a holistic journey from where I started to where I am today and hoping that it will continue to be an enthralling one in the future too.

I hail from Jaunpur district in Uttar Pradesh; however, being a fauji kid has offered a privileged upbringing across various parts of India. I had all my formal education in Secunderabad, where my parents nestled post their professional endeavours.

Attaining education in South India and pampered staycation in North India (Jaunpur to be specific) provided a vivid understanding of both the cultures in parallel. I believe this exposure has really helped me shape various facets of personal and professional life.

Just like a typical Indian family, my parents wanted me to finish schooling and become either a doctor or an engineer. Little did they know that I had different plans and I’m glad that my parents have been supportive throughout!

Embarked my career as a newsreader for EENADU TV Network (ETV) in Hyderabad and within a span of ten experiential years, I gained in-depth insights on a variety of subjects such as Indian politics, current affairs, science, technology, crime reports to entertainment sections.

I reckon this is the best decision I’ve ever made and I love what I do.

2. What is your opinion about press freedom in India?

In this era where information is paramount, journalists are risking their lives on the frontline to share critical stories; but at the same time, we are witnessing an unprecedented global crackdown on the freedom of expression.

Journalism in India remains a risky pursuit. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists’ 2019 Global Impunity Index - India ranks 13th among countries where journalists are murdered and their murderers are set free. It has been on the index for the last 12 years.

Women often bear the brunt of threats while reporting on the crisis. The Coalition of Women in Journalism documented 145 threats and intimidation against women journalists from January 2020 to April 2020 globally. India had the third highest cases of intimidation against female reporters.

I believe while there should be restrictions on the spread of certain information (censored content), freedom of press must exist as it is crucial for a democratic country like India. The media is the watchdog of our democracy and ensures that its true spirit remains.

3. Who is your favourite news anchor and why?

Sounds easy-peasy but really difficult to answer! Especially, as I have lived and breathed in the industry for quite some time now. If I was asked the same as a journalism student, then I would have listed many names.

However, after working and understanding things from different perspectives, all I can say is that I follow a lot of independent journalists on social media, but when it comes to television, I imbibe the good learning’s from an individual.

4. What do you think about the quality of journalism in India and how can it be improved?

As a journalism student, we are all taught the ethics in journalism apart from the skills to be a good journalist. But time changes quicker than one can least expect and so does the style of journalism. From prompt reading of the teleprompter to live news bulletins, debates and discussions to the most common style of news flow, one forgets to follow those codes of ethics and news standards of journalism.

On one hand, we might find the quality degrading as the news gets more agenda based than fact-based. But on the other hand, we have fierce journalists too who serve the motive of serving the news at any cost.

Yes, I do think there's always a scope for improvement to maintain the quality by providing factual and thoroughly researched news rather than claims. This can be ensured by instilling the right ethos in our upcoming generation of journalists. There is a dearth of good mentors and we need to fix it before it’s too late.

5. What is your message to all aspiring news anchors?

Well, they say being an anchor is a very glamorous role in journalism, but let me also clear that – ‘all that glitters is not gold’. Anchoring no doubt is one of the toughest yet best roles in the field of journalism with its pros and cons. While fame and glamour is the cherry on the cake but even more imperative is the responsibilities one has to live up to every moment.

It is our fiduciary responsibility to be available in any situation, in any frame of mind and in season or during any occasion to deliver the best. I believe at the end of the day, it’s not the pressure that matters, it’s the passion that will let you outshine in this profession.

6. If you could interview one famous person in your studio, who would that be and why?

The only iconic name that rings a bell is Mr Ratan Naval Tata. Have read so much about him and his humble persona that I wish to meet this legend in person. I’d ask him - Sir, what is your secret sauce of leading such a modest and balanced life despite all the achievements and accolades?

7. Which is your favourite book and why?

The secret by Rhonda Bryn's as it strengthens my beliefs and focus in life. It gives a philosophical yet practical direction to life and teaches the art of achieving your goals with conviction.

- Jyoti Mishra (Anchor at IndiaTV)