Islamabad, March 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):An Indian news anchor hosting a conversation about Russia-Ukraine issue shouted at the wrong guest for two minutes after mixing up his name with another contributor.
Rahul Shivshankar, an anchor for Indian TV network Times Now, told Kyiv Post chief editor Bohdan Nahaylo to take a ‘chill pill’, having intended it for Ron Paul Institute executive director Daniel McAdams.
A video of the debate now viral online shows Rahul referring to Bohdan as ‘Mr McAdams’ and blaming his nation for colonising the East, along with other insults.
He said, “Mr McAdams, no hang on, hang on, if you are so concerned about Ukrainians get off the fence and put boots on the ground.
“Don’t lecture us here in India ok? I am not going to hear your lecture.”
Rahul had intended the rant for the American Daniel, who remained silent and rather bemused by the situation as it developed.
Bohdan reacted with a fiery response but his words become difficult to hear over the high amplitude of Rahul’s voice.
Daniel then cuts in to stop Rahul and Bohdan from arguing and correct his host as to their names.
He said, “I’m not talking! It’s the other guy who has been talking, I haven’t been able to say a word!
“Dear host, I have not said a word yet. I don’t know why you’re yelling at me.”
“I’m not yelling at you,” anchor Rahul said. “I’m talking to Mr McAdams. The man has gone completely ballistic.”
The executive director then said, “I am Mr McAdams! I am Mr McAdams! I am Mr McAdams and I haven’t even said a word!”
Piers Morgan retweeted the video clip and used it as a reminder to check the names of guests before shouting at them. He said, “A hilarious reminder to always check who your guests are…”
Most people found the little episode hilarious and Daniel McAdams has become an icon featured in memes.
Journalist Shuja-ul-Haq wrote, “Raise your hand if Mr McAdams provided a comic end to your otherwise gloomy day?” Another Twitter user wrote, “Brooooo I can’t stop thinking about that McAdams video.”
Brussels bureau chief for The Economist wrote on Twitter, “This is magnificent. It makes no sense until it makes perfect sense. Nobody outside Indian TV can produce this level of chaos.” Another journalist, Rana Ayyub said, “Thank God for the young independent journalists in India, because the ‘star journalists’ and our ‘Editors’ have shamed us.”
Pakistani journalist Kamran Yousaf also shared the video saying “this is truly epic, Indian TV journalism at its best!!!” Others related to Daniel’s situation by writing messages of support. One commented, “If you’re the middle child, you can feel Mr McAdams’ pain.”
International news websites, such as, The Daily Beast also picked up the story stating that “Indian TV news debate on the Ukraine crisis went wildly off the rails”.
This isn’t the first time Indian media had made a blatant blunder on national TV. Last year, Afghan Taliban’s swift rise to power in Afghanistan and feeble resistance to them in Pangshir Valley had spawned a high volume of misinformation the Indian media had churned out – but only to embarrass themselves.
Several independent journalists from various corners of the world ridiculed India for spreading lies through fake claims on social media that a fighter jet was shot down by the anti-Taliban forces in Afghanistan’s Panjshir valley.
A ‘masterpiece’ tweet by Arnab Goswami last year had also served as a source of entertainment for Twitterati in which the controversial anchor claimed that Pakistani ISI officers were staying on the fifth floor of the Serena Hotel and his ‘sources’ told him what food they ordered. The hilarious video triggered memes on social media showing an imaginary fifth floor on the otherwise three-storied building.
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