Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
Context
Supreme Court highlighted the need to frame guidelines to protect privacy of journalists when their personal digital devices are seized by the Central agencies.
What is Press Freedom?
- It refers to the absence of interference from an overreaching state in the operation of press on any form of communication.
Aspects of Press Freedom:
- Freedom from Censorship publish or broadcast news and information without government-imposed censorship.
- Access to Information and sources to investigate and report on matters of public interest.
- Editorial Independence to ensure news reporting is based on facts and not influenced by outside interests.
- Protection of Sources to encourage whistleblowers and informants to come forward with information without fear of exposure or reprisal.
- Pluralism and Diversity: A free press should encompass a diverse range of viewpoints and opinions, allowing for open debate and discussion in society.
- Accountability: The media should hold those in power accountable by investigating and reporting on their actions and decisions.
How Free is the Indian Press?
- India’s ranking in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index has slipped to 161 out of 180 countries. This is a decline from its 2022 ranking of 150.
Importance of Press Freedom:
- Democracy and Accountability: Journalists investigate and report on government actions, policies, and decisions, holding officials accountable for their actions. The media is considered as the fourth pillar of democracy and it plays a vital role in a country’s social, political, economical and international affairs.
- Promotes Open Discussion of ideas that allows individuals to fully participate in political life, making informed decisions and strengthening society as a result — especially in a large democracy such as India.
- Transparent Governance: Free press is essential for a democracy to survive and thrive and preserve the ethos of good and transparent governance.
- Informed Judgments: As per Indian Newspapers v Union of India, the objective of the press is to supplement the public interest by printing the facts and opinions without which the citizens of the country cannot make well informed rational judgments.
- International Reputation and global impression are largely influenced by the kind of news which prevails about that particular country in the international press.
- Diverse Voices: India is a diverse country with a multitude of languages, cultures, and perspectives. A free press provides a platform for diverse voices and viewpoints, ensuring that the concerns of various communities are heard.
- Protection of Fundamental Rights, including the right to freedom of expression and the right to know. It helps protect these rights by advocating for the rights of individuals and groups.
Watchdogs of Press Freedom in India:
- Press Council of India (PCI): The Press Council of India is a statutory body established under the Press Council Act, 1978. It acts as a watchdog to safeguard and promote press freedom and the ethical standards of journalism.
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is a government body responsible for formulating policies and guidelines related to the media sector in India.
- Editors Guild of India: The Editors Guild of India is an organization that works to protect press freedom and improve the standards of editorial leadership in newspapers and magazines.
- Press Club of India: The Press Club of India is a club for journalists and media professionals that works towards protecting the rights of journalists.
- News Broadcasters Association (NBA): The News Broadcasters Association is a private association of different current affairs and news television broadcasters in India.
- Indian Journalist Union: The Indian Journalist Union is a federation of state units of journalists’ unions in India.
- People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL): The People’s Union for Civil Liberties is an organization in India that fights for civil liberties and human rights.
Challenges Faced by Press Freedom:
- Legal and Regulatory Constraints used to restrict press freedom in , such as defamation laws, sedition laws, and laws related to national security.
- Lack of Protection for Whistleblowers who expose corruption or wrongdoing often face retaliation, and there is a lack of legal protection for them.
- Barriers to Information Access: Journalists often face difficulties in accessing information, especially when it pertains to government activities or matters of public interest.
- Public and Government Hostility towards journalists, which can create a hostile environment for press freedom.
- Threats of Violence towards journalists from vested interests and pressure from political parties.
- Declining Interest in News and Lower Trust: Indian media companies are facing tough times through a combination of declining interest in news, lower trust, and falling revenues.
- Digital Authoritarianism through internet firewalls and censorship, internet blackouts, disinformation campaigns, and digital social credit systems.
How to Ensure a Free Press?
- Strengthen Legal Protections: Reform laws that can be misused to restrict press freedom, such as defamation and sedition laws. Ensure swift and fair legal processes in cases involving press freedom violations.
- Independent Regulatory Framework: Establish an independent regulatory framework that can oversee the operations of the press and ensure its independence from undue influence.
- Access to Information: A free press should have access to information and sources to investigate and report on matters of public interest.
- Protection of Sources: Journalists should be able to protect their sources to encourage whistleblowers and informants to come forward with information without fear of exposure or reprisal.
- Pluralism and Diversity: A free press should encompass a diverse range of viewpoints and opinions, allowing for open debate and discussion in society.
- Accountability: The media should hold those in power accountable by investigating and reporting on their actions and decisions.
Resolving the matter of press freedom in India demands a united endeavor involving multiple stakeholders dedicated to preserving the fundamental values of a free press within a democratic framework. This multifaceted issue necessitates ongoing dedication and initiatives to guarantee a robust and autonomous media landscape in the nation.
Source: The Hindu
Practice Question
Examine the primary obstacles to press freedom in India. Propose strategies for safeguarding and advancing a free and autonomous press within the nation. (Answer in 250 words)