Freedom Of Press
Context:
- The media is essential to democracy since it is thought of as the fourth pillar of the State.
- A strong and functioning democracy must encourage journalism’s development as a force that may oppose the status quo or, as it is frequently called, “speak truth to power.”
- Any democracy that prevents the media from doing this runs the risk of becoming lifeless. The press needs to be free for a country to remain democratic.
History of the press’s involvement in promoting awareness during the fight for independence:
- In India, newspapers have a long history of promoting social and political change.
- Before the country gained its independence, political and social activists published periodicals in an effort to inform and involve the population.
- For instance, in order to promote awareness of the rights of India’s most marginalised groups, Dr. Ambedkar founded a series of magazines, including Mooknayak, Bahishkrut Bharat, Janata, and Prabuddha Bharat.
- The newspapers and other writings from India before independence also provide a glimpse of the complex history of that time.
- These journals are now an invaluable source of knowledge since they serve as a historical record of the times when brave men and women rebelled against the colonial authority and fought tenaciously for our freedom. The newsprint represented the soul’s striving, its yearning for independence.
Contribution of the press to the growth of discussion, debate, and appropriate action:
- The media initiates debates and discussions, which is the first step towards taking action. All civilizations eventually lose momentum, energy, and susceptibility to the problems that concern them.
- Journalism is one of the key forces dragging us out of this general stagnation (in all its manifestations).
- The media has played and will continue to play a vital role in shaping the course of current events and, by extension, the course of history as a whole.
- The recent publication of articles regarding the charges of sexual harassment made against well-known stars in the American film business served as a major catalyst for the #MeToo movement.
- The #MeToo movement marked a turning point in history with effects that could be felt all around the world.
- There were substantial protests in response to the way the rape of Jyoti, or Nirbhaya, by some men in Delhi was covered by the Indian media, which ultimately led to amendments being made to the criminal law.
- Some news stories spark discussions and investigations in state legislatures and in parliaments on a daily basis.
- In one decision, the Supreme Court declared that “India’s freedoms would remain protected as long as journalists can speak truth to power without fear of punishment.”
The function of journalism and its development across time:
- Initially, journalism’s reach was limited to print media; however, with the introduction of television, this expanded.
- The game for journalists has lately evolved in a variety of ways thanks to social media.
- Thanks to online platforms, people can now launch their own internet media stations. Online platforms have contributed to a more democratic media in this way.
Neighborhood or local journalism:
- It has been essential in fostering social cohesion and political involvement.
- It has the ability to raise obscure issues and give citizens a conversation topic for them at the policy level in addition to informing them.
- Local journalism draws attention to issues, people, and causes that frequently go ignored by national media.
- Because to community journalism, members of marginalised communities now have more chances to speak out about their own issues. Thanks to the rise of social media, they were able to create their own spaces and independent media channels.
- The Covid-19 epidemic period provided the perfect chance to highlight the value of the media. Due to electronic, print, and social media, the State was able to communicate essential information to the general population despite the lockdown.
- Media sources also drew attention to irregularities and flaws in the administrative procedure. News articles were the main source of information for various high courts and the Indian Supreme Court when they took suo motu cognizance of complaints of human rights violations during the pandemic.
- In recent years, there has also been an increase in interest in legal journalism. Legal journalism, which tells the tale of the legal system, makes the law’s intricacy clear.
Having issues with journalism Every organisation has issues, and journalism is no exception:
- Fake news poses a serious threat to the independence and objectivity of the press in the current climate.
- Journalists and other stakeholders must collaborate to remove any elements of bias and prejudice from the reporting of events.
- All news stories should go through a comprehensive fact-checking procedure before being reported. While releasing news, media outlets are urged to use prudence.
- The potential for fake news to simultaneously deceive millions of people is in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that form the basis of our existence.
- By misleading individuals, fake news has the potential to escalate tensions between various groups of people around the world. In order to safeguard the democratic values of brotherhood, which can be undermined if not completely destroyed by biassed reporting, it is crucial to close the gap between truth and lie.
- Another issue is the credibility of the media. A varied and representative newsroom is necessary for media organisations to deliver well-researched, complex stories that include a range of viewpoints and voices.
Conclusion:
- Responsible media, which is illuminated by the truth, can guide us towards a better future. It serves as the driving force behind the expansion of democracy and is based on the quest of truth, justice, and equality.
- As we navigate the challenges of the digital age, it is essential for journalists to uphold standards of accuracy, objectivity, and responsibility in their reporting.
