Traditional Media vs Digital Media: Lessons from the Vijay Mallya Podcast

In a media-saturated world, the medium often becomes the message. How we consume news has changed forever.

From primetime newsrooms to long-form YouTube interviews, the media landscape is undergoing a powerful transformation. One of the most talked-about examples of this shift is the recent viral podcast episode featuring businessman Vijay Mallya.

In this post, we explore the differences between traditional media and digital media and how each shaped the narrative around Vijay Mallya’s controversial story.

More importantly, we ask: Which medium gives us the real truth? Or, is there a real truth?

What is Traditional Media?

Traditional media refers to established platforms like newspapers, television, magazines, and radio. It’s known for its wide reach, strict editorial policies, and headline-driven content.

Characteristics of Traditional Media:

• Time-bound: Limited space for context or depth.
• Editor-controlled: Journalists and editors decide what is published.
• Authority-led: Relies heavily on official sources, press releases, and agencies.
• Structured format: News is broken down into short stories with limited room for nuance.

When Vijay Mallya was declared a fugitive economic offender, traditional media ran dramatic headlines:

“King of Good Times turns King of Bad Debts”
“Vijay Mallya absconds after looting ₹9,000 crore from Indian banks”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCM7tDn4A1k

This painted Mallya as a one-dimensional villain. Little space was given to his perspective, and soundbites often replaced serious context.

What is Digital Media?

Digital media includes podcasts, YouTube interviews, social media, blogs, and independent journalism platforms. Unlike traditional media, it offers creators more freedom, and gives audiences unfiltered access to long-form conversations.

Characteristics of Digital Media:

• On-demand and long-form: Listeners choose what and when to engage.
• Direct storytelling: No newsroom or editors in between.
• Interactive: Allows for feedback, shares, comments, and virality.
• Flexible format: Personal stories and emotion find space.

In June 2025, Vijay Mallya appeared on entrepreneur Raj Shamani’s podcast—a nearly four-hour conversation that quickly went viral.

For the first time in nine years, Mallya shared his side of the story, without the filter of traditional media.

What Did Vijay Mallya Say in the Podcast?

Mallya made several bold claims and emotional admissions(Still one-sided claims):

• “I borrowed ₹6,200 crore but paid back ₹14,000 crore. Still, I’m being hunted.”
• “I’m not a thief. I may be a fugitive in legal terms, but I never ran away from accountability.”
• “The myth of ease of doing business in India is just that, a myth. Bureaucracy kills ambition.”
• “I feel terrible for my Kingfisher Airlines staff. I truly tried everything I could to save the company.”

This version of Mallya, emotional, apologetic, and rational; stood in sharp contrast to the combative figure portrayed on TV news channels.

Traditional Media vs Digital Media: Key Differences

Did the Podcast Reveal the Truth or Spin a Narrative?

This is the big question.

Supporters of digital media say the podcast allowed Mallya to present details that were ignored by traditional newsrooms. For instance, his alleged multiple settlement offers to Indian banks or the timing of Kingfisher’s downfall during the 2008 global financial crisis.

However, critics argue that the podcast served as an image makeover campaign, carefully timed and conveniently sympathetic.

As one media analyst said, “When a high-profile guest controls the narrative, it’s not journalism. It’s self-promotion.”

Furthermore, there was no real cross-questioning. Allegations like ₹3,500 crore in fund diversions, ongoing CBI and ED investigations, and shell company trails were barely touched.

This raises an important point: just because a story is long doesn’t mean it’s complete.

Why This Media Divide Matters

1. Media influences public opinion: What people believe about figures like Mallya depends largely on how they’re presented.
2. Digital doesn’t mean neutral: Podcasts feel honest because they’re casual, but they can be manipulated by clever storytelling.
3. Both sides are incomplete: Traditional media often ignores emotion. Digital media often skips hard evidence. The truth likely lies in between.

What Audiences Need to Know

In the age of digital storytelling, every personality has a platform. From politicians to billionaires, the microphone is no longer exclusive to journalists.

But with this shift comes responsibility.

As audiences, we need to:

• Cross-check digital claims with official records.
• Question what’s left out of emotional interviews.
• Be aware of timing; why now, and for whom?
• Ask: Who benefits from this version of the story?

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” – Oscar Wilde

The Future of Media: Blending Depth with Accountability

Instead of seeing traditional media and digital media as rivals, it’s time we treat them as complementary tools.

• Traditional media must evolve to allow more context and depth.
• Digital media must introduce checks—fact-checking, disclaimers, and tougher interviews.
• Audiences must stop being passive consumers. Be critical. Be curious.

In Vijay Mallya’s case, we’ve seen both the power and pitfalls of each format. A person once written off by newspapers has used a podcast to rebuild public sentiment.

But the question remains: is it redemption or rebranding?

Final Thoughts

The Vijay Mallya podcast has become a defining example of how digital media can reshape a public figure’s story. It highlights the promise of new-age storytelling—but also the need for media literacy.

In a world full of microphones, the real power lies with those who know how to listen critically.

Do you unlock your real power?