On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, the Delhi Union of Journalists paid tribute to all journalists and media employees while calling attention to the worsening state of press freedom in India. The country’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, has dropped sharply to 161 out of 180 countries in 2023 from 150 in 2022. This decline is due to the increase in media polarisation, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, and the corporate media’s active role in fuelling divisions among people.
Corporate Media Aligned with Ruling Party
The Delhi Union of Journalists has accused the corporate media, also known as the “godhi media,” of supporting the current government and the Hindutva agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The alignment of many TV channels with corporates that are aligned with the ruling party has resulted in the underreporting of issues such as corporate corruption, protests by farmers and workers, and opposition concerns. Many independent journalists who do not toe the line have lost their jobs or been sidelined.
Increase in Attacks on Independent Media and Journalists (India’s Rank Drops Sharply in World Press Freedom Index)
In recent years, attacks on independent media and journalists have increased sharply, ranging from intimidation to physical and legal attacks that misuse the law. Trolling, particularly of women journalists, is rampant. Many journalists are harassed by arbitrary filing of cases and even arrests for doing their job.
Journalists Demand Protection and Urgent Reforms
On this World Press Freedom Day, the Delhi Union of Journalists has called on the Centre to stop attacks on the media and demanded protection for journalists and the entire media industry. They urge the Parliament and Judiciary to strike down sedition and defamation laws that are repeatedly used against journalists and citizens. They also call for urgent revisions to draconian laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Additionally, the Centre and the States must stop implementing the Labour Codes, which have subsumed the Working Journalists Act and played a pivotal role in protecting freedom of the press. A new tripartite Wage Board for the entire industry must be announced immediately. Lastly, a special law must be enacted to protect media persons and the entire media industry.
Collective Defense of Press Freedom and Dignity of Labor for Journalists
The Delhi Union of Journalists salutes all journalists and calls upon them to collectively defend press freedom and the dignity of labor for journalists. The protection of journalists and independent media is essential to ensuring a democratic society where citizens have access to accurate and diverse information.
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