The Pulse of Journalism: Shashi Tharoor's Article and Press Freedom Realities in India

{getToc} $title={Table of Contents} $count={false}

To watch video click here.

The Pulse of Journalism: Shashi Tharoor's Article and Press Freedom Realities in India from Rajdeep Bavaliya

1. Title: The Pulse of Journalism: Shashi Tharoor's Article and Press Freedom Realities in India

2. Information:

3. Table of Contents:

1. Questions to be Addressed

2. Introduction

3. Shashi Tharoor

4. About the Article

5. What is Freedom of the Press?

6. The Importance of a Free Press in a Democracy

7. Freedom of Speech on Paper vs in Reality

8. State Pressure and Self-censorship

9. Impact of Electronic Media

10. Media Ownership and Bias

11. The Rise of "Fake News" and Misinformation

12. The Role of Media in Combating Misinformation

13. Finding the Truth: Investigative Journalism in India

14. The Risks Faced by Investigative Journalists

15. Possible Solutions and the Role of Civil Society

16. Conclusion

17. References

4. Questions to be Addressed:

1. What is Freedom of the Press?

2. How essential is a free prees for the functioning of a democracy?

3. How does the reality of freedom of speech differ from its theoretical ideals?

4. How has electronic media influenced freedom of speech and press in India?

5. What role can civil society play in safeguarding press freedom and addressing media challenges?

5. Introduction:

A very good morning everyone. Today, in this presentation, we are going to explore the heartbeat of journalism in India and how it aligns with the insights prowided by Shashi Tharoor in his article "Freedom of the Press."

In recent time, there is one debate going on among intellectuals that how much freedom should be given to the media or it should be under control of government. But on the other hand some people argue that evil make media only a puppet in hands of government. For healthy democracy, freedom of the press is very important, it is requirement of the time.

For damocratic nation Media-Press is fourth pillar apart from the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.

6. Shashi Tharoor:

Shashi Tharoor born on March 9, 1956, in London,UK, and raised in India. Tharoor graduated from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, in 1975 and culminated his studies in 1978 with a doctorate in International Relations and Affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University.

He is a politician and public intellectual who has been serving as Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Since 2009. He is the present chairman of the Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers.

He was formerly an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and unsuccessfully ran for the post of Secretary-General in 2006.

7. Shashi Tharoor:

Founder-and-Chairman of All India Professionals Congress, he formerly served as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs and on Informational Technology. He has about two dozen titles to his credit and was awarded by World Economic Forum as "Global Leader of Tomorrow."

He is best known for his works...

The Great Indian Novel (1989)
India: From Midnight to the Millennium (1997)
Why I Am a Hindu (2018)
Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India (2017), first published in India as An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India (2016)

Shashi Tharoor’s speech in parliament: Click Here - From 00:00 to 2:57.

8. About the Article:

'Freedom of the Press' is written by one of the most prominent Indian politician and writer of modern India - Shashi Tharoor. This article was published in 'The Hindu' on 4th May, 2003 and it was on 3rd of May, which is known as the World Press Freedom Day.

When he wrote this article on the same day, he reminded that...

"12 journalists have been killed just this year, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a New York-based independent non-profit organization. All over the world, journalists are jailed, attacked and harassed every day."

- Shashi Tharoor

And this data is only as of May 4, 2003; by the end of 2003, 60 journalists and media workers were killed, and out of them, three were from India, according to the CPJ.

In 2024, 23 journalists and media workers killed. (CPJ)

9. What is Freedom of the Press?

According to Shashi Tharoor...

"Freedom of the press is the mortar that binds together the bricks of freedom - and it is also the open window embedded in those bricks, through which we can all see the world."

- Shashi Tharoor

Meaning that freedom of the press or freedom of the media is the fundamental principle that communication and expression through various media, including printed and electronic media, especially published materials, should be considered a right to be exercised freely.

It refers to the principal that individuals and organizations have the right to publish, print or circulate information and opinions without government interference or censorship.

Throughout the world, World Press Freedom Day, observed on May 3, serves as an occasion to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and as a reminder that many journalists brave death or jail to bring people their daily news.

10. The Importance of a Free Press in Democracy:

May 3, marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, a statement of principles drawn up by African journalists calling for a free, independent and pluralistic media in their continent and throughout the world. The declaration adopted in 1991 at a seminar organised by the United Nations and UNESCO in Windhoek, Namibia, affirms that a free prees is essential to the existence of democracy and a fundamental human goal.

A free press is one of the most essential components of a democratic society. And there is no longer any serious debate about the proposition that democracy is essential for social and economic development.

11. The Importance of a Free Press in Democracy:

1. Accountability and Transparency: A free press acts as a watchdog over government activities and institutions. It plays a critical role in exposing corruption, misuse of power, and wrongdoing by public officials and institutions. This accountability helps ensure transparency and prevents the abuse of authority.

2. Informed Citizenry: A free press provides citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions about their government and society. By reporting on various issues, events, and policies, the press empowers individuals to participate effectively in democratic processes such as elections and public debates.

Example: Dhruv Rathee's video on Dictatorship Confirmed? : Click Here - From 6:50 to 7:21

3. Checks and Balances: The press serves as a check on government power by investigating and reporting on policies and actions. This helps maintain a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch of government becomes too powerful or immune from scrutiny.

4. Promotion of Public Debate and Discourse: A free press fosters public debate and diverse viewpoints by providing a platform for different voices and opinions. This diversity of perspectives enriches democratic discourse and encourages the exchange of ideas.

5. Protection of Human Rights: A free press plays a crucial role in advocating for and defending human rights. Journalists often expose human rights abuses, discrimination, and injustices, shining a spotlight on issues that might otherwise remain hidden or ignored.

Example: Ravish Kumar's video on Farmers' Protest Faces Uphill Battle: Click Here - From 00:00 to 1:34

6. Cultural and Social Development: A vibrant free press contributes to cultural and social development by promoting creativity, innovation, and artistic expression. It also helps preserve cultural heritage and promotes cultural understanding and tolerance.

7. Strengthening Democracy: Ultimately, a free press strengthens democracy by fostering a climate of openness, accountability, and civic engagement. It empowers citizens to actively participate in governance and ensures that democratic principles are upheld.

12. Freedom of Speech on Paper vs. in Reality:

India's Constitution, under Article 19(1)(a), promises citizens the right to freely express themselves and share their ideas. This sounds great, right? In theory, it allows journalists to investigate and report on anything without fear.

But here is the catch: there are other laws that can be used to limit this freedom. One example is section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), also known as the sedition law. This law says that anyone who "excites disaffection" against the government can be arrested.

Example: Dhruv Rathee's video on Dictatorship Confirmed? : Click Here - From 13:50 to 17:21

The problem is, this law can be vague. What exactly is "disaffection"? Can simply criticizing a government policy be seen as seditious? This uncertainty creates a chilling effect. Journalists might worry that even a balanced report critical of the government could land them in trouble.

Reporters Without Borders' 2023 World Press Freedom Index ranks India at 161 out of 180 countries, which is not good.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has documented several cases under journalists have been arrested under the sedition law for critical reporting.

So, while India's Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, there are laws that make it difficult for journalists to freely do their jobs. This creates a situation where press freedom exists "on paper" but can be limited in practice.

13. State Pressure and Self-censorship

Government pressure, like threats of lawsuits or license renewals, can make journalists hold back on critical stories. Fearful of trouble, they might soften their reports, avoiding anything that could be seen as too critical. This “self-censorship” weakens investigative journalism, according to a 2022 report by Freedom House.

Example: Newslaundry’s video on How Lok Sabha 2024 is being rigged by TV Media: Click Here – From 3:32 to 5:00

14. Impact of Electronic Media

The new hallmarks of development are the ability to receive, download and send information through electronic networks, and the capacity to share information, including not only newspapers and journals, but also online web sites – without censorship or restrictions. Thus developing countries need to open up to the outside world, liberalise the mass media, and resist government control and censorship of information.

"This year the United Nations is organizing two major events that will stress the centrality of press freedom. The World Electronic Media Forum, convening in Geneva from December 9 to 11, will bring together media executive and practitioners from developed and developing countries, as well as policy makers, to discuss the role of the electronic media in the information society."

(Shashi Tharoor)

15. Impact of Electronic Media

In India, a large part of the mainstream media, known as "Godi Media," which supports the ruling NDA and BJP government (since 2014), news channels like BBC News Hindi, The Wire, The Indian Express, The Times of India, Newslaundry, and people like Ravish Kumar, Dhruv Rathee, and Akash Banerjee (The Deshbhakt), continue to deliver true news to the public through platforms like YouTube and X - Twitter.

16. Media Ownership and Bias

Fewer companies now own more media outlets in India. This can lead to bias because these companies might favor news stories that benefit their business interests.

Example: Dhruv Rathee’s video on How Adani Trapped NDTV: Click Here – From 00:00 to 1:12

17. The Rise of “Fake News” and Misinformation

Most of the social media platforms are breeding grounds for misinformation and “fake news,” making it harder for people to access truthful information.

Example: Abhi and Niyu’s video on Truth of Farmers Protest 2024. : Click Here – From 9:40 to 9:50

In the video, they are saying that if it becomes compulsory to buy at MSP, then its financial burden will be around Rs. 10 lakh crore, which is misinformation.

They didn't even read the source they cited. It is clearly mentioned in the title that "Farmer Protests: MSP needed, that it will cost government Rs. 10 lakh crore is misinformation." Real figure is just Rs. 21,000 crore.

18. The Role of Media in Combating Misinformation

Responsible journalism acts as a shield against fake news by providing accurate, fact-checked information from credible sources. Studies show audiences trust established news outlets more than social media. By reporting transparently, journalists empower the public to make informed decisions and become savvy media consumers.

Example: Dhruv Rathee’s video on Electoral Bonds. : Click Here – From 2:17 to 5:32

19. Finding the Truth: Investigative Journalism in India

In India, brave investigative journalists fight to uncover the truth. They expose corruption, like scams in school curriculums, or social problems, and don’t give up even when facing difficulties. Their work brings light to important issues and helps make India a better place.

Example: Dhruv Rathee’s video on Dictatorship Confirmed?: Click Here – From 17:21 to 19:50

20. The Risks Faced by Investigative Journalists

Investigative journalists often face danger. Reporting on sensitive topics can lead to threats, violence, and even murder. Journalists are killed every four days on average, with many targeted for their work.(CPJ) Despite the risks, these courageous reporters keep shining a light on important issues.

Example: Dhruv Rathee’s video on Farmers Protest 2.0: Click Here – From 16:00 to 17:38

21. Possible Solutions and the Role of Civil Society

Protecting journalists and press freedom is crucial. Legal changes to outdated laws and better safeguards for reporters can help. Civil society groups can also play a role by advocating for independent media and training citizens to critically evaluate information. Together, we can create a safer environment for journalists to hold powerful people accountable.

Example: Dhruv Rathee’s video on Dictatorship Confirmed?: Click Here – From 19:50 to 23:33

22. Conclusion

Shashi Tharoor concludes this article by saying:

“Perhaps this is the newest challenge for the United Nations – to work to bring access to information, and the empowerment it offers, to all the world’s people. Only then will equity and equality be truly brought to the information revolution. Only then will the world’s poor and underprivileged have a real way out of the darkness that shrouds their voices, and their hopes.”

(Shashi Tharoor)

Thus, Investigative journalists in India are heroes. They fight for truth and justice, even when it's dangerous. To support them, we need a free press and a public that can spot fake news. Together, we can bould a stronger democracy for all.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”

(Martin Luther King Jr.)

23. References

Abhi and Niyu. “Truth of Farmers Protest 2024 | Why Farmers Are Protesting? | Abhi and Niyu.” YouTube, 21 Feb. 2024, https://youtu.be/8hKOyue7LqE?si=HuqPAaMx8kvixXhT.

Bhaskar, Arushi. “This Quote Means: Said by Martin Luther King Jr., ‘Injustice Anywhere Is a Threat to Justice Everywhere.’” The Indian Express, 4 June 2023, https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/this-quote-means-injustice-martin-luther-king-meaning-8644986/.

Chahal, Mindi. “The Fake News Effect and What It Means for Advertisers.” Marketing Week, 27 Mar. 2017, www.marketingweek.com/the-fake-news-effect/.

Chauhan Dhruv. “The Fourth Pillar of Indian Democracy: Freedom of the Press.” Legal Service India – Law, Lawyers and Legal Resources, www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-10964-the-fourth-pillar-of-indian-democracy-freedom-of-the-press.html. Accessed 6 Apr. 2024.

“Committee to Protect Journalists.” Committee to Protect Journalists, https://cpj.org/data/killed/2003/. Accessed 6 Apr. 2024.

24. References

“Committee to Protect Journalists.” Committee to Protect Journalists, https://cpj.org/data/killed/2024/. Accessed 6 Apr. 2024.

Dr. Shashi Tharoor’s Official Website, https://shashitharoor.in/biography. Accessed 8 Apr. 2024.

Drishti IAS. “Freedom of Press in India.” Drishti IAS, 11 June 2022, www.drishtiias.com/blog/freedom-of-press-in-india.

Dutta, Amit. “Journalism in the Age of Disinformation: Navigating the Challenges of Misinformation and Fake News.” Medium, Medium, 11 May 2023, medium.com/@AmitDutta09/journalism-in-the-age-of-disinformation-navigating-the-challenges-of-misinformation-and-fake-news-1fdc8d98c8da.

25. References

Hashim, Hamza. “Adani’s Acquisition of NDTV Is Another Sign That Modi’s BJP Dominates Indian Media.” The Friday Times, The Friday Times, 5 Jan. 2023, https://thefridaytimes.com/05-Jan-2023/adani-s-acquisition-of-ndtv-is-another-sign-that-modi-s-bjp-dominates-indian-media.

India, legal Service. Freedom of Press – Article 19(1)(a), www.legalservicesindia.com/article/1847/Freedom-of-Press---Article-19(1)(a).html#:~:text=In%20India%2C%20freedom%20of%20press. Accessed 6 Apr. 2024.

India, legal Service. “Freedom of Press – Indian Constitution.” Legal Service India, www.legalserviceindia.com/article/l448-Freedom-of-Press.html. Accessed 6 Apr. 2024.

“Killing of Cameraman Sparks UN Concern for Journalists in Kashmir | UN News.” United Nations, United Nations, 16 Sept. 2008, https://news.un.org/en/story/2008/09/273032.

26. References

Kumar, Ravish. “किसानों के रास्ते में कीलें, तारें, बैरिकेड की फ़सल | Farmers’ Protest Faces Uphill Battle.” YouTube, 13 Feb. 2024, https://youtu.be/b0_RhNT8GQg?si=veNBM2xsxpKiHvr1.

Mai, Lina. “How We Can Uphold a Free Press for a Strong Democracy.” Facing Today – A Facing History Blog, 3 May 2018, https://facingtoday.facinghistory.org/how-we-can-uphold-a-free-press-for-a-strong-democracy.

Newslaundry. “How Lok Sabha 2024 Is Being Rigged by TV Media | TV Newsance 248.” YouTube, 6 Apr. 2024, https://youtu.be/BKftmnHCLT0?si=r8DGqqossvKz7KYA.

“Protect Journalists, Protect the Truth: A Brochure for the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists: Including Highlights of the UNESCO Director-General’s Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity.” Unesdoc.Unesco.Org, 2020, https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000374738.

Pti. “India Slips to 161 on World Press Freedom Index; Media Associations Voice Concern.” The Indian Express, 4 May 2023, https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-slips-11-positions-world-press-freedom-index-8589968/.

27. References

Rathee, Dhruv. “Arvind Kejriwal Jailed! | DICTATORSHIP Confirmed? | Dhruv Rathee.” YouTube, 1 Apr. 2024, https://youtu.be/JyJd111Ym7U?si=JAFtrBw3JPiGgRog.

Rathee, Dhruv. “Electoral Bonds | The Biggest Scam in History of India? | Explained by Dhruv Rathee.” YouTube, 24 Mar. 2024, https://youtu.be/RJfqzUWZ0Bw?si=Je2YVfOKvOun1VuE.

Rathee, Dhruv. “Farmers vs Modi | The Truth about Farmers Protest 2.0 | Dhruv Rathee.” YouTube, 13 Mar. 2024, https://youtu.be/dd8l2IZJaPU?si=1JTc4q4OKuhki6kP.

Rathee, Dhruv. “How Adani Trapped NDTV | The Hidden Agenda | Ravish Kumar | Dhruv Rathee.” YouTube, 25 Aug. 2022, https://youtu.be/5No-IWBTBaQ?si=_ao0Pop77gok3nkN.

28. References

Richel V. Umel and Jeoffrey Maitem. “Ex-Radio Broadcaster Fatally Shot in Southern Philippines.” Benar News, 12 Jan. 2022, www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/broadcaster-shot-01122022115455.html.

Sahaf, Muskaan Fayaz. “What Is Godi Media and Top Godi Media Anchors?” Ground Report, Ground Report, 17 May 2023, https://groundreport.in/what-is-godi-media-and-top-godi-media-anchors/.

Staff. “Fake News and Surviving a Post-Truth World.” New Trail, 19 May 2017, www.ualberta.ca/newtrail/people/fake-news-and-surviving-a-post-truth-world.html.

Tharoor, Shashi. “Freedom of the Press.” 4 May 2003.

The Economic Times. “Shashi Tharoor’s Critique of Interim Budget- ‘No Data Available (NDA) to New Meaning of GDP.’” YouTube, 7 Feb. 2024, https://youtu.be/O3cizDi6dI8?si=g9XDiGvY_jU3PxlH.

AI chatbots:

Gemini, a large language model by Google. https://gemini.google.com.

OpenAI. ChatGPT. OpenAI, 2021. https://www.openai.com/chatgpt.