Context: The 23rd Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024–25, titled “Frontline Democracy: Media and Political Churn”, has flagged India as part of a wider trend of shrinking press freedom.
About the South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024–25
- Publisher: Asia Press Freedom Group
- Coverage: 8 South Asian countries – India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives
Key Findings
- 250+ media rights violations recorded; 69 journalists jailed or detained, 20 killed in the line of duty.
- India ranked 151st globally in press freedom; Bhutan fell to 152nd, its lowest ever.
- Pakistan saw its most violent year for journalists in two decades.
- Major risks stem from disinformation, legal suppression, surveillance, and AI‑related threats.
Issues Surrounding Press Freedom
Legal and Institutional Pressure
Frequent use of UAPA, PMLA, sedition, and defamation laws against critical journalists. Example: Income Tax and ED raids on dissenting media outlets.
Disinformation Ecosystem
- Political party “IT Cells” amplify hate speech and fake news, undermining public trust.
- Global Risks Report 2024 names manipulated information as the biggest short‑term global threat.
Choking of Independent Media
- Denial of government advertisements, restrictions on digital platforms, and selective internet shutdowns.
- AI-generated content threatens journalistic authenticity; gig‑economy journalists face low wages and insecurity.
Gender Inequality
Limited representation of women in newsroom leadership; widespread gender‑based harassment in the media.
Consequences of Declining Press Freedom
- Self‑Censorship: Fear of legal action and violence compels media houses to avoid critical reporting.
- Democratic Deficit: Weakens the fourth pillar of democracy, hampering accountability and transparency.
- Public Mistrust: Rising perception of media bias erodes trust in institutions.
- Information Access Shrinks: Laws like India’s DPDP Act 2023 and amended RTI provisions block legitimate public queries.
Way Ahead
- Media Law Reforms: Pass the Media Transparency Bill 2024 to curb monopolies and politicised ad distribution.
- Independent Regulatory Framework: Establish a media ombudsman to review censorship complaints and enforce fair editorial standards.
- Protect Journalists’ Rights: Enact labour protections for freelance and gig journalists; ensure legal aid and safety mechanisms.
- Fact‑Checking Infrastructure: Invest in independent fact‑checking bodies to counter disinformation, especially during elections.
- Promote Digital Pluralism: Support independent and community-driven media to balance dominant corporate and political narratives.
Conclusion
Press freedom in South Asia is under acute strain due to state control, legal harassment, and disinformation. India must act now to safeguard journalistic integrity, ensure citizens’ right to know, and protect democratic institutions. A free and fair press is the bedrock of participatory governance.
