In an era where newsrooms are increasingly caught between the pressures of politics, profit, and public trust, Jibraan Uddin has emerged as a bold voice unafraid to speak about the uncomfortable realities of the industry. With his much-anticipated book Illusion of Truth set to hit shelves next month, the celebrated journalist sat down with Ground Scoop to talk about his journey, the state of Indian media, and why his book might just be the wake-up call the industry needs.
Uddin, who began his career at one of India’s largest television networks, Zee Media, describes the book as “part memoir, part field manual, part reality check.”
Ground Scoop: Jibraan, your book title — Illusion of Truth — is quite provocative. What does it mean?
Jibraan Uddin:
The title reflects what I saw inside the newsroom — how narratives are shaped, often without the viewer realizing it. Sometimes the truth is not outright hidden, but it’s packaged, polished, and presented in a way that creates an illusion. I’ve been part of those editorial meetings, and I’ve seen how a simple fact can be amplified or diluted depending on the interests at stake. The book doesn’t just talk about the “what” — it also digs into the “why” and “how.”
Ground Scoop: You started your career in a big media house like Zee Media. How did that shape your perspective?
Jibraan Uddin:
Zee was my training ground, for better or worse. It gave me access to resources, reach, and some of the best mentors in the industry. But it also showed me how deeply intertwined news can be with politics and corporate agendas. I talk in the book about stories that were shelved for being “too inconvenient” and how certain narratives were pushed aggressively. It was an eye-opener.
Ground Scoop: The book also includes political insights. Can you share an example?
Jibraan Uddin:
Without giving too much away — I write about the invisible hands that steer media coverage, especially during elections. I’ve covered political campaigns where I could see the invisible script everyone was following — anchors, reporters, even social media teams. Politics isn’t just influencing news; in many cases, it’s writing it.
Ground Scoop: Veteran journalist Rajan Kumar has called your book “a great handbook for new journalists” but also “a mirror showing how fake or performative the industry can be.” How do you respond to that?
Jibraan Uddin:
I take that as a compliment. Journalism schools teach you how to report, how to write, but they don’t prepare you for the internal politics, the pressures, or the compromises you might face. If my book can help young journalists enter the field with their eyes open, that’s a win for me.
Ground Scoop: Do you think this book will make you unpopular in certain circles?
Jibraan Uddin:
Probably (laughs). But journalism isn’t about winning popularity contests. It’s about telling stories that matter, even if they make people uncomfortable. I’m not here to protect anyone’s image.
Ground Scoop: What’s next for you after the book release?
Jibraan Uddin:
I want to keep writing — maybe a follow-up, maybe something entirely different. But my heart is still in journalism. The platforms may change, but my mission remains the same: truth above convenience.
With Illusion of Truth, Jibraan Uddin seems determined to bridge the widening gap between what viewers see on their screens and what actually happens behind the camera. Whether the industry embraces his frankness or resists it, one thing is certain — Uddin has already made himself impossible to ignore.
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