Amit Shah, the Minister of Home Affairs, recently took to his Twitter handle to congratulate media personnel for successfully serving the fourth pillar of democracy. We explore what the Minister of Home Affairs feels about the media in the country, along with understanding India’s current ranking in the World Press Freedom Index. Furthermore, we will try to understand if journalism in India is credible and the way forward in this four-part series.-Amit Shah Praises Media on World Press Freedom Day part 3
The press is the fourth pillar of democracy and the voice of the common people. However, when the press turns a blind eye to people, things can take a dangerous turn.-Amit Shah Praises Media on World Press Freedom Day part 3
Taking to his Twitter handle, Amit Shah wrote the following:
“On World Press Freedom Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the upright and dedicated media personnel who have played a crucial role to help our democracy thrive. I also appreciate their service in protecting and upholding the values of journalism.”
In this episode, we will explore the credibility of the media.
An article published by Srabana Lahiri & Simran Sabherwal and available on Impact, mentions:
“Thomas Jefferson once said, advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper… Are Indian publications and TV channels reliable in the age of corporate owners, quitting journalists, raucous talk shows and allegations of paid news?”
The writers of the article raise some serious issues about the present condition of the news media in India today. While India is standing at a crossroads of achieving unparalleled technological achievements, it still has several underlining problems to take care of. And the news media is definitely one of them.
The article mentions:
“Rajdeep Sardesai, then Editor-in-Chief of IBN18 Network, wrote in his blog that ‘media bashing has become this election season’s favourite sport”. To quote him, “The response of media associations to this constant barrage of abuse and intimidation has been to either resort to self-righteous rage by invoking democratic principles and freedom of speech, or to stay silent in the belief that there is little point in adding to the escalating noise levels. Frankly, neither can the media occupy the high moral ground nor is it in our interest to hold our peace. The time has come to call a spade an axe and tell it like it is: the fact is, that while our political class has lost its nerve, a number of us in the media have also lost our moral compass and worryingly, our credibility.’”
In the next episode, we will explore ways through which the news media can revive its credibility.
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Is the news media in India biased?
- What is World Press Freedom Day?
- What is credible journalism?
- What is the way forward for media houses in India?
- How can the news media be more transparent?
