According to a report published by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent, nonprofit organization championing press freedom globally, there was a record number of journalists imprisoned during 2020. Promoting the right of journalists to report news safely without fear of retaliation, CPJ stated that the overall number of jailed journalists during 2020 reached a record high of 272.
The Worst Offenders Against Press Freedom
The report pointed out that Turkey held the dubious distinction of being the world’s worst offender against press freedom with at least 68 journalists imprisoned on anti-state charges. In Egypt, at least 25 journalists found themselves behind bars. The situation for reporters is also dire in the Middle East and North Africa, where dozens are either missing or kidnapped, including several held by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Press Freedom
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen authoritarian leaders attempt to control reporting by arresting journalists. This kind of censorship poses a significant threat to democracy as it inhibits free media, a crucial element to open discussions, informed decision-making, and societal strengthening — especially in large democracies like India.
The Importance of Free Media
Free media, often considered the fourth pillar of democracy alongside legislature, executive, and judiciary, is vital for the smooth functioning of democracy. It empowers the masses by providing them a platform to express opinions, question government decisions, and partake in a free exchange of ideas, information, and knowledge.
Threats to Freedom of Press
Despite its importance, press freedom faces numerous threats. Government pressure, fake news proliferation, social media influence, corruption, corporate and political influences pose significant risks. Additionally, the security of journalists remains a major concern with frequent reports of killings and assaults on journalists covering sensitive issues.
Press Freedom in India
India’s Supreme Court recognized the importance of press freedom as early as 1950, observing that it lays the foundation of all democratic organizations. While not expressly protected by Indian law, press freedom is implicitly safeguarded under the constitution’s Article 19(1) (a), which grants every citizen the right to freedom of speech and expression.
Regulating Bodies and International Initiatives
To preserve freedom of the press and maintain and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India, the Press Council of India (PCI) was established under the Press Council of India Act of 1978. Internationally, initiatives such as the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which annually publishes the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI), are striving to uphold media freedom. According to the WPFI, India ranks 142nd out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom.
The Way Forward
The past decade has seen media freedom deteriorate around the world, posing a real and concerning threat to democracy. Counteracting content manipulation and fake news without impinging on media freedom will require public education, strengthening regulations, and efforts from tech companies to develop suitable algorithms for news curation. Future legislation should take a holistic view and avoid knee-jerk reactions. The media also needs to adhere to core principles such as truth and accuracy, transparency, independence, fairness, impartiality, responsibility, and fair play to maintain credibility.