Let the fourth pillar of democracy breath

What happens when a press card becomes a tool to target them?
What happens when we frequently wake up to the headlines like:
“Another non- bailable warrant against XYZ journalist”
“’The only journalist who cared’: Memory of scribe killed after refinery report lingers”
“75% of women journalists experience online violence, 18% receive threats of sexual violence”

Is India’s media under an obstruction? Do we really care about slipping to 161 position out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index in 2023? There is politics, there is personal vendetta, there is casteism, and what not responsible for the assault and threat on journalists. On this Press Freedom Day, while the theme is based on; “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”, who would actually talk about the freedom of expression of journalists!

It is the primary role of a journalist is to blurt out the fact as it is. There shouldn’t be any ‘political’ tweaking of the fact. Be it for a social cause, for a criminal or for a scam. Media ownership in no way should influence or come in the way of freedom of expression of a journalist who is becoming a voice for the human rights.

Many journalists had faced detention and arrest at the Singhu border during farmers protest. FIRs were also filed against six journalists and editors for sedition, criminal conspiracy and promoting enmity for reporting and tweeting on the death of a protester during the Republic Day tractor rally organized by farmers protesting against the Indian government’s farm laws. The Press Club of India gave condemnation statement during anti- CAA protest where many journalists were physically assaulted or were forcibly taken away to an unknown destination. Who is to be blamed for these incidents?

If this wasn’t enough, journalists were also forced to publish only pre- approved information during COVID- 19 which was far away from the ground reality. Also many were summoned and physically assaulted for covering the protests during the abrogation of article 370 of the constitution. After understanding the intricacies of how a report is going impact the audience who is consuming it, a responsible journalist must speak the truth by adhering to the Article- 19 without any fear and let the judiciary decide in case of false allegations.

Why should the press be free?

Journalists actually inspire people to think beyond the social norms and fight for the human rights. Press gives a platform to exchange ideas and thoughts that deserve to be heard by the people all around the nation (by respecting its existence and not being forcibly critical for the same). It ensures the free flow of ideas.

Press has power to hold the person or a body to be accountable for their actions. Often we have come across such cases where people try to ‘settle’ a case to cover up their actions through the power of money. It is the responsibility of a journalist to bring to light such instances and make sure that justice is served along with the consent of common people.

Journalist is someone who becomes voice of the majority people. The press must bring the suppressed issues to the limelight and talk about it fearlessly, yet responsibly. Be it raising your voice against few of the social customs like dowry and child marriage or rebelling for the right to life and liberty, right to work and education or freedom of opinion and expression, press becomes a medium to bring changes in the society.