Freedom of Press Under Siege: The Dangers Journalists Face in India

Press Freedom Under Siege: The Role of State and Non-State Actors

Neeraj Thakur, Editor of The Probe, Interviews Veteran Journalist Vinay Kumar on the Increasing Threats to Press Freedom in the Country

Neeraj Thakur: Today, we have with us the senior journalist Vinay Kumar. Vinay, you've had a long and illustrious career in journalism. Can you shed light on the increasing threats to press freedom in India?

Vinay Kumar: Thank you for having me, Neeraj. Indeed, freedom of the press is increasingly under siege in our country. There was a time when journalists were respected for presenting reports and exposing criminals, anti-social elements, and corrupt practices. However, now there is a growing trend of targeting journalists who report on sensitive issues.

Neeraj Thakur: Could you elaborate on how journalists are being targeted and what kind of challenges they face?

Vinay Kumar: Journalists in India today face threats not just from non-state actors and anti-social elements but also from political actors and state agencies. This is evident from the declining rank of India in the World Press Freedom Index. In 2023, India was ranked 161 out of 180 countries, a significant drop from previous years.

Neeraj Thakur: That's concerning. Could you provide specific examples of regions in India where press freedom is under severe threat?

Vinay Kumar: Yes, in states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Kerala, there have been numerous instances where journalists were threatened or attacked for doing their jobs. In 2020, we saw major incidents where journalists were targeted for their work on sensitive issues like illegal mining and corruption. Journalists often face charges like defamation and outraging religious sentiments. The legal system is being used to intimidate them and prevent them from doing their jobs. The use of these charges is widespread and reflects the growing hostility towards the press.

Neeraj Thakur: How does this affect the digital media landscape in India?

Vinay Kumar: The digital media landscape, including social media platforms like YouTube and independent websites, is also affected. These platforms provide a space for independent journalism but face their own set of challenges from both governmental and non-governmental actors.

Neeraj Thakur: What are the implications of these challenges for freedom of press and free speech in India?

Vinay Kumar: The free flow of information is severely curtailed. Journalists face barriers in accessing information and are often pressured to censor themselves. The quality of investigative journalism suffers as a result, impacting the public's right to know. States like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have seen significant challenges. Journalists covering issues like illegal mining or reporting on mafia activities face threats and violence, both from state actors and criminal elements.

Neeraj Thakur: What role does the government play in this context?

Vinay Kumar: Unfortunately, the government is often complicit in these challenges. There is a lack of support for journalists, and in some cases, state machinery is used to suppress freedom of press. The expansion of government control over media outlets is a significant concern, and the use of state power to intimidate journalists is alarming.

Social Media is Both a Refuge and a Battleground for Journalists

Neeraj Thakur: How do you see the role of social media in this landscape?

Vinay Kumar: Social media platforms have become both a refuge and a battleground for journalists. On one hand, they offer a space for independent voices and alternative narratives. On the other hand, they are also subject to manipulation and can be used to spread misinformation or target journalists with harassment. Despite the many challenges, social media has enabled many independent journalists to reach a wider audience. It has democratised information dissemination and allowed for more diverse voices to be heard. However, the responsibility of verifying information and maintaining journalistic integrity remains crucial.

Neeraj Thakur: What do you think needs to be done to improve the situation for journalists in India?

Vinay Kumar: There needs to be a concerted effort to protect journalists and ensure their safety. Legal reforms are necessary to prevent the misuse of laws against journalists. Additionally, there should be a robust mechanism for accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. Change is possible, but it requires a collective effort from the government, civil society, and the media industry itself. Empowering journalists and safeguarding Freedom of Press should be a priority for any democratic society.

The above is a condensed version of the interview transcripts. For the complete interview, please view the video above or click here for the full link.

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