Why in the News?

Indian media “has been shackled and subjected to a systemic strategy to cripple it”, according to the 23rd Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Declining Press Freedom (Introduction, Key Highlights of Report, Press Freedom in Neighbouring Countries, Challenges, Reforms, etc.)

Introduction

• The state of press freedom in South Asia has witnessed a significant erosion over the past year.
• The Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25, titled “Frontline Democracy: Media and Political Churn,” paints a troubling picture of increasing restrictions, state-sponsored suppression, and growing dangers faced by journalists.
• India, once hailed for its vibrant democracy, is now grappling with unprecedented challenges that threaten the independence of its media landscape.

India’s Declining Press Freedom

• The report devotes a specific section to India, titled “India: Propaganda and the Press,” highlighting the systematic efforts to control media narratives. Key factors include:
• Legal Suppression of Media Freedom:
  • Increasing use of sedition laws, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against media organizations and journalists.
  • Frequent defamation lawsuits and state-sponsored raids on media houses using the Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate.
• Rise in Self-Censorship:
  • A “chilling effect” has led many media outlets to avoid reporting critically on the government.
  • Government advertisements are routinely withheld from critical media outlets as a method of financial coercion.
• Manipulation of Information:
  • Political IT cells actively spread misinformation and hate speech, making it difficult for independent journalism to thrive.
  • According to the Global Risks Report 2024, India is identified as the country with the highest global risk of misinformation and disinformation.

Press Freedom in Neighbouring Countries

• Pakistan:
  • Marked as “the most violent year for journalists in two decades,” with eight journalists killed.
  • The government continues to operate under an authoritarian framework, severely curbing media rights.
• Bangladesh:
  • Transitioned from the ICT Act to the Cyber Security Act, but concerns remain over its transparency and misuse.
  • The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists reported nearly 300 attacks on journalists during political protests.
• Afghanistan:
  • At least 172 media rights violations were recorded, highlighting the continued assault on press freedom under Taliban rule.
• Bhutan and Maldives:
  • Bhutan fell from the 33rd position in press freedom rankings in 2021 to 152nd in 2025.
  • Maldives faces regulatory challenges with its Information Commissioner’s Office, undermining press freedom.

Economic and Structural Challenges for Media

• Shrinking Job Market and Rising Precarity:
  • Across South Asia, media organizations are grappling with layoffs, job insecurity, and a decline in advertisement revenue.
  • Gig and freelance journalists face worsening working conditions and limited legal protections.
• Impact of AI and Digital Media:
  • Increased reliance on AI for content creation has led to a decline in professional journalism standards.
  • Digital platforms such as YouTube and podcasts are rising but lack adequate regulation to maintain journalistic ethics.

Reform Efforts and The Road Ahead

• Despite the bleak scenario, some efforts toward reform have begun:
  • India’s Proposed Media Transparency Bill 2024 aims to regulate media monopolies and promote fair editorial practices.
  • Bangladesh’s Interim Government has committed to improving access to public information.
  • Nepal’s Media Consolidation Efforts under the National Broadcasting Corporation are seen as steps toward accountable public media.
• However, the report cautions that without stronger institutional protections and reduced government interference, the downward spiral in press freedom will likely continue.