The AI171 tragedy and the parallel one playing out on our screens!
- Prashant Kavi (PK)
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 17
“..social media has many armchair specialists .. I am amazed at some of them who can come and say authoritatively without even having seen the 787 as to how it functions. And if you notice the entire narrative is based off a blurred low quality CCTV footage and one footage from a mobile phone.”
“.. this is one of the problems we have currently because the media is under pressure to interview somebody .. we understand the pressures and we understand that the public at large needs to know something.”
“.. congratulations on addressing the actual issue. The speculation over social media is the actual issue. And please don’t believe whatever you hear from a welder from the Indian Navy or somebody who’s working in a canteen uh you know trying to come and say that I know this that and the other. It’s good entertainment.”
The above statements are extracted from the transcript of an interview conducted by senior journalist, Surya Gangadharan of StratNewsGlobal, on his programme 'The Gist', with Capt. Sam Thomas (President, Airline Pilots Association India) on the AI171 accident and posted on YouTube.
Scouring as I have been, scores of news channels, YouTube videos and podcasts on the AI171 accident since the time of its occurrence, I was struck and pleasantly so by the tone and tenor of this particular conversation. A breath of fresh air amidst the increasing cacophony of mostly vile content going around on the coverage of the accident and its aftermath.
The entire conversation brings gravitas to a painfully tragic subject and kudos to the interviewer for that. Surya Gangadharan frames his questions with brevity, depth and a genuine desire to listen and understand, not just the complex layers surrounding such an accident and its aftermath but also the commercial aviation ecosystem, contextually. The interviewee, Sam Thomas comes across as an unexcitable, no-fuss domain expert, cutting through the clutter with his lucid, if somewhat sardonic views and authoritative explanations that never stray; a reflection of his vast expertise and knowledge of the subject.
The social/media tamasha
Tamasha is a Hindi word that generally translates to a spectacle, show, or entertainment, often with connotations of a grand or dramatic display and in this particular context, with a great deal of noise, confusion, or unnecessary activity!
Most news channels have gone berserk in their coverage of the accident and these include some foreign media channels too. A complete tamasha, where everything goes; from propounding and supporting preposterous theories to self-styled ‘aviation experts’ who’s only claim to fame was to have been associated with aviation in some capacity, but with no relevant expertise or experience on matters under discussion. It is predominantly this lack of rigor in vetting sources that is diminishing the quality of information being disseminated and muddying the waters of public discourse on our screens.
Former military pilots for instance, are much in demand; it is irrelevant whether they’ve ever flown commercial airplanes, but clearly their grand military titles look great on screen and are probably enough to delude audiences into believing they are hearing an authority on the subject. And it shows, in those cringey conversations where absurd statements are bandied about as facts and sensational speculation is in high supply. Then there is also a set pack of ‘aviation experts’ who move around from one channel to the other, often advocating new and differing theories on every platform – possibly for the novelty and the wow effect that the news channels seem to be constantly chasing!
Aren’t media outlets supposed to prioritize truth and sensitivity over theatrics? The rampant rush to sensationalize this accident, not only disrespects those affected but also risks disseminating misinformation that could harm public understanding of critical issues related to aviation safety. As the fastest growing aviation market in the world, can we afford to do that?
And it's no different on social media/YouTube either. There's an opinion of every shade and colour on the accident. Logic and respect for the deceased be dammed because you have gullible audiences prepared to lap it all up and help you notch your million views. While the seasoned and sensible YouTubers are waiting for more definitive information to come forth before sharing their expert opinion, there are others that have waded in from day-one, propagating their self-spun speculative yarns, most of which they are then having to debunk as more credible information/evidence becomes available progressively.
Grace under pressure
In all of this, unsurprisingly it is the airline i.e. Air India and its leadership including the parent TATAs, which have conducted themselves in the most dignified manner. Notwithstanding the tragic accident and its ramifications for the airline, Air India and its leadership have acted with grace, providing timely updates, transparency, and unwavering support for the affected families. Their measured approach has been a stellar example of professionalism and humanity, particularly in contrast to the chaotic media coverage and speculative narratives surrounding the accident. The airline’s commitment to transparency in the accident investigation and honoring the memory of those lost, besides addressing the needs of their families, exemplifies benevolence and a high order of ethical behavior and corporate responsibility in the face of an unimaginable crisis.
Substance over spectacle
In the wake of such tragedies, it becomes evident that the media holds immense power in shaping public perception—not just of the incident itself, but also of the individuals and organizations involved. This power must be wielded responsibly, for the impact of careless or sensational reporting extends far beyond mere clickbait headlines. It infiltrates the collective psyche, skewing understanding and fostering narratives that may be far removed from the truth. Besides, the aviation industry, with its complexity and critical importance, deserves reporting that is as precise and meticulous as the field itself.
And finally, as viewers, we too must reflect on our role in enabling such media behavior by consuming and amplifying sensational content. Perhaps it’s time we demand better—more thoughtful reporting, deeper investigations, and a focus on promoting informed dialogue rather than perpetuating noise. Only then can we hope for a media landscape that truly serves the public good, especially during moments of profound sorrow and loss.
In solemn memory of the 270 lives lost and prayers for all whose lives have been irrevocably affected by this tragedy.
Comments