Narratives from the Margins: Exploring Alternative Media through Bastar Talkies and the Chenab Times

This paper examines the critical role of alternative media in reshaping narratives in India, using Bastar Talkies and The Chenab Times as case studies. Both platforms challenge the mainstream media’s focus on conflict and state-centric discourses, offering nuanced representations of marginalized regions. Bastar Talkies, a YouTube channel, provides stories from the tribal communities of Bastar, a region affected by the Maoist insurgency, focusing on the lives and culture of the people beyond the violence. Similarly, The Chenab Times, a multimedia news portal, focuses on the Chenab Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting issues such as development, politics, and social dissent while preserving cultural identities.

The study situates itself within the theme of globalization, media, and shaping new narratives, demonstrating how alternative media contributes to a decentralized and democratized flow of information. Theoretical framework of alternative media theory is applied to explain how these platforms not only create alternative narratives but also foster a more inclusive public discourse in regions often marginalized by mainstream narratives.The study employs interviews with journalists from both platforms to understand their vision, challenges, and how they overcome obstacles such as resource limitations, political pressure, and audience reach. A thematic analysis of their published stories is conducted to identify how these platforms frame narratives around social justice, local development, and resistance to mainstream perceptions. Through these methods, the paper highlights the role of alternative media in giving voice to underrepresented communities and addressing issues often overlooked by national media outlets.