World Press Freedom Day
Today is World Press Freedom Day, an important reminder of the critical role that a free press plays in sustaining democracies and holding powers accountable. As our organization continues to grow, extending our reach to diaspora communities in the UK, Australia, and beyond, we remain deeply committed to the regions of South Asia and the United States—some, but not the only, places where the free press is under escalating attack..
Reporters without Borders ranks India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as 160, 150, and 163 in the press freedom rankings, respectively. In India, the situation has deteriorated rapidly, as the government has closed space to dissent over the last ten years.t. In October 2023, the Indian government raided the offices and houses of journalists associated with the outlet Newsclick, a news portal known for its investigative journalism. Authorities arrested its editors under a law often weaponized to jail political critics. Earlier in 2023, the Indian government raided the BBC’s offices in reaction to a BBC documentary critical of the Prime Minister. Just this year,, Indian authorities expelled foreign journalists, including Avani Dias and Vanessa Dougnac, in a tactic that not only limits external scrutiny but also sends a chilling message to all media practitioners about the limits of permissible discourse.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Pakistan is one of the deadliest places to be a journalist, and those who kill journalists often enjoy impunity. . The press in Pakistan operates under constant fear, with recent years seeing stringent regulatory measures and direct censorship, particularly concerning coverage of the government and military. During the Pakistani elections, the army shut down internet and television coverage of the elections. In 2023, Pakistani journalist Jan Mohammad Mahar was killed in Sindh province. And while Pakistan itself is deadly, Pakistani journalists are not guaranteed safety even when they flee the country - in 2022, journalist Arshad Sharif was killed by Kenyan police, and Sharif’s family alleged that the Pakistani government was involved.
Bangladesh also exhibits concerning trends regarding press freedom. Journalists there grapple with severe repercussions for reporting on government corruption and human rights abuses. The Digital Security Act, which has now been replaced by the Cyber Security Act, has been abused by authorities to curtail journalists’ abilities to report freely. Journalists are often arrested under the guise of preventing defamation, hurting religious sentiments, or spreading disinformation. Journalists face violence, not just from state forces, but also from Jihadist and criminal non-state organizations. Ahead of the Bangladesh elections, Reporters without Borders expressed alarm about a surge of attacks on the free press by Sheikh Hasina’s government. Given the escalation of pre-election violence in Bangladesh, the press became particularly vulnerable.
In the United States, the media landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation that poses new challenges to press freedom. The rise of digital media has fragmented the traditional model, leading to intense competition for attention and economic survival. This shift has been accompanied by decreasing trust in national media outlets and the hollowing out of newsrooms, which have been historic pillars of American media. . The rhetoric of "fake news" and the targeting of journalists in both legal and public arenas have further eroded trust in the media and emboldened governmental and private actors to attempt to manipulate or discredit journalistic content.
Globally, the suppression of independent press is a key strategy employed by authoritarian governments as part of their playbook to undermine democracy from within. By controlling the narrative and silencing dissenting voices, these regimes seek to consolidate power without accountability. The systematic crackdown on the press often includes jailing journalists, enacting restrictive laws, and employing sophisticated surveillance to intimidate and control the media.
On World Press Freedom Day, it is crucial to reaffirm our commitment to defending media freedom and to support journalists and media outlets around the world that strive to report the truth. It is imperative for governments to ensure that laws and practices uphold press freedom and are not used as tools for political suppression. Additionally, the public must remain informed and supportive of journalistic endeavors that aim to illuminate truth and foster an informed citizenry.
As we mark the vital role of a free press, it's enlightening to draw upon Hindu philosophical values that resonate deeply with the principles of journalism. The commitment to Dharma (duty and righteousness) and Satya (truth) underscores the press's fundamental role in upholding democracy through ethical conduct and truthful reporting. By practicing Ahimsa (non-violence), journalists ensure fair and non-harmful communication, while their actions, aligned with the law of Karma (actions and consequences), foster societal accountability and positive change. Ultimately, embracing Seva (service) elevates their work to an act of serving the greater good, reinforcing the strength of our democracies. In honoring these values, we affirm the indispensable role of a free press as the guardian of truth and justice in our society.
Read more:
South Asia Gears Up for World Press Freedom Day Celebration in Dhaka | UNESCO
Overview - SAPFR 2022-23 (ifj.org): International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), on behalf of the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN), annual South Asia Press Freedom Report entitled Pressure & Polarisation: Powering Media Resistance in South Asia.