Issues in Indian Journalism

GS II- Governance

The Ramnath Goenka Awards emphasize the crucial role journalism plays in the evolving media landscape.

Role of Journalism in Governance

• Dissemination of Accurate Information: Equips citizens with knowledge essential for making informed governance-related decisions.
• Watchdog Function: Investigative journalism exposes corruption, human rights abuses, and power misuse.
• Encouraging Public Discourse: Editorials and discussions promote democratic debate.
• Safeguarding Press Freedom: An independent media prevents suppression of diverse viewpoints and upholds democratic principles.
• Investigative Journalism: Also known as watchdog journalism, this approach involves in-depth research to reveal hidden societal issues and truths that might otherwise remain unnoticed.

Importance of Journalism in a Democracy

• Fourth Pillar of Democracy: Journalism ensures transparency, accountability, and an informed populace.
• Enhancing Public Engagement: Accurate reporting fosters democratic participation and informed decision-making.

Historical Role of Journalism in India

• Mobilization During the Colonial Period: Newspapers like Kesari, Bande Mataram, and Amrita Bazar Patrika played a key role in nationalist movements despite strict British censorship laws.
• Exposing Corruption: Investigative reports uncovered major scams such as the Bofors scandal, 2G spectrum case, and Vyapam scam.
• Influencing Policy Formulation: The media significantly contributed to the enactment of key laws like the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
• Ensuring Electoral Integrity: Media coverage helps educate voters about governance, policies, and electoral candidates.

Current Challenges in Journalism

• Proliferation of Fake News: The rapid spread of misinformation through social media influences public perception.
• Political & Corporate Pressures: Media organizations often face external influences, leading to biased narratives.
• Threats to Press Freedom: Censorship, intimidation, and legal action pose serious risks to independent journalism.
• Financial Sustainability Issues: The shift to digital media has disrupted traditional revenue streams, making it challenging for independent journalism to thrive.

Framework Supporting Journalism

Legal Provisions

• Press Council Act, 1978: Establishes the Press Council of India as a regulatory body.
• Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005: Enhances transparency by granting access to government documents.
• Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014: Provides safeguards for individuals exposing corruption, including journalists.
• Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995: Regulates ethical reporting in broadcast media.
• IT Rules, 2021: Oversees digital news platforms and mandates grievance redressal systems.

Key Supreme Court Rulings

• Romesh Thappar vs State of Madras (1950): Established press freedom under Article 19(1)(a).
• Bennett Coleman & Co. vs Union of India (1973): Rejected government control over newsprint.
• Indian Express Newspapers vs Union of India (1985): Prevented excessive taxation on newspapers.
• Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India (2020): Declared arbitrary internet shutdowns as a violation of press freedom.

Measures to Strengthen Journalism in India

• Legal Reforms: Strengthen the Press Council of India and implement robust journalist protection laws.
• Promoting Ethical Journalism & Media Literacy: Encourage fact-checking mechanisms and reinforce self-regulation.
• Ensuring Financial Independence: Support independent media through diversified revenue models.
• Digital Security & Transformation: Enhance cybersecurity measures and protect journalists from online threats.