On Media Bias

The pattern of one-sided coverage from raid to present

The media's coverage of this story has been one-sided, sensational, and often factually incorrect. Here is the actual timeline of events—what really happened.

The Pattern of Selective Reporting

Allegations against BAPSMajor headlines, front-page coverage
Volunteers contradicting those allegationsSilence
DOJ investigation concluding with zero criminal chargesMinimal coverage
Our testimony as 12,500 volunteersLargely ignored

For five years, we've watched one side of this story dominate the headlines while evidence contradicting it gets buried. The volunteers spoke. Why didn't anyone listen?

— Volunteer Question

Articles Volunteers Consider One-Sided

The New York Times

Workers Describe Exploitation at New Jersey Hindu Temple

Published the same day as the FBI raid. Presented unsubstantiated allegations without equal voice from 12,500 volunteers who were there.

The New York Times

Inside the Gleaming Hindu Temple Built on Disputed Labor

Published just 3 days after Akshardham opened. Ignored ongoing DOJ investigation, union's rebuttal, and volunteer testimony.

The Guardian

Workers at New Jersey Hindu temple allege they developed lung disease from stone-cutting

Published 7 months after DOJ closed 4-year investigation with zero charges. Completely ignored DOJ's decision not to prosecute.

The Wire

BAPS New Jersey: Worker Dies by Suicide, Family Alleges Harassment Over Lawsuit

Followed Guardian article amplifying allegations. No acknowledgment of DOJ closure or union's contradictory testimony.

Why did major newspapers rush to condemn us before any investigation was complete? And why, after 4 years of federal investigation ending with zero charges, do they refuse to acknowledge that outcome with the same prominence they gave to the original allegations?

— Question From 12,500 Volunteers

Articles Volunteers Consider Balanced

DOJ Closure Coverage

COMPLEXIFIED (RNS PODCAST)

Faith, Labor, and a DOJ Reversal: Inside the BAPS Temple Case

Religion News Service reporter Richa Karmarkar walks through what the coverage left out — that 12 of the workers named in the lawsuit withdrew, saying they had been misled by the lawyers, and that seva does not translate into the Western category of paid labor.

Read article ↗

NJ.COM