Of Press and Freedom

India, a nation revered as the world’s largest democracy, finds itself in a precarious situation concerning press freedom. Ranked 159th out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, the country’s position has plummeted to an alarming low. This ranking is not just a number; it is a reflection of the deep-seated issues that threaten the very core of democratic values in India. The press, often described as the fourth pillar of democracy, is meant to function as the watchdog of the government, the voice of the people, and the defender of the truth. However, the current state of press freedom in India raises critical questions about the nation’s commitment to these principles.

At the other end of the spectrum is Norway, which has consistently held the top position in the World Press Freedom Index. The contrast between Norway and India is stark and instructive. Norway’s success is not merely a consequence of strong legal frameworks but also a result of a culture that deeply respects and protects journalistic freedom. Norwegian journalists operate in an environment where the press is truly independent, free from political and economic pressures, and supported by a robust legal system that defends their rights. The public’s trust in the media is high, and this trust is earned through rigorous adherence to ethical journalism.

In Norway, the relationship between the state and the press is characterised by mutual respect. The government understands that a free press is not a threat to its power but a necessary element of a functioning democracy. This understanding is enshrined in laws that protect journalists from harassment and ensure their safety. Moreover, the judiciary in Norway plays a critical role in upholding press freedom, providing a legal safety net that allows journalists to perform their duties without fear of reprisal.

India’s decline in the press freedom rankings is not an isolated incident but the result of a series of systemic issues that have been festering for years. These challenges can be broadly categorised into three areas: political pressures, economic constraints, and threats to journalists’ safety.

In recent years, the Indian press has increasingly found itself at the receiving end of political pressures. The relationship between the media and the government has become increasingly adversarial, with journalists often facing censorship, harassment, and intimidation for reporting on issues that are deemed sensitive or critical of the government.

The political landscape in India is such that media houses, especially those with large corporate ownership, often face indirect pressures to align their editorial policies with the ruling government’s agenda. This results in a narrowing of the space for dissenting voices and a homogenisation of news content that undermines the diversity of opinions that is essential for a healthy democracy.

The commercialisation of news has also contributed to the decline in press freedom in India. The reliance on advertising revenue has led many media outlets to prioritise sensationalism and entertainment over serious journalism.

Furthermore, the ownership structure of many media companies in India is such that they are vulnerable to economic pressures from powerful corporate interests.

Public trust in the media is a crucial element of a functioning democracy.

The rise of social media has further complicated the situation. While social media platforms have democratised access to information, they have also become breeding grounds for fake news and propaganda.

[Contributed by C M Jain]

Back to Home Page

Frontier
Vol 57, No. 11, Sep 8 - 14, 2024