When life Is at risk, who will stand for truth?

Journalism, often hailed as the fourth pillar of democracy, is under siege in India, according to an international report. The brutal reality is that speaking the truth can cost reporters their safety, careers, and even their lives. In recent months, attacks on journalists have escalated, with some being physically assaulted, others receiving direct death threats, and media houses facing digital blackouts for exposing inconvenient truths. The profession that once stood as the watchdog of democracy is now shackled by fear, both from external threats and internal pressures.

The rising danger: A reality check

The dangers journalists face today are no longer hidden. Reports of attacks, harassment, and even murders continue to surface. An independent journalist was brutally killed in Chhattisgarh. A century-old Tamil Nadu newspaper lost its digital presence for revealing hard-hitting facts. In Andhra Pradesh, a political leader threatened a reporter with death for allegedly writing “lies.” These incidents are just the tip of the iceberg—many similar cases remain unreported due to fear of retaliation.

Despite periodic outrage, no lasting action has been taken to ensure journalists’ safety. Protests, condemnations, and calls for justice fade away, and the cycle of intimidation resumes. If journalists cannot operate freely, the fundamental right to information is at stake.

Internal challenges: The struggle within

Beyond external threats, journalists also grapple with internal issues that compromise their ability to report the truth. Political affiliations, ownership biases, and financial dependencies have made it increasingly difficult for reporters to function independently. Many media houses are owned by business conglomerates with vested political interests, influencing the narratives they push. Journalists who refuse to conform to these pressures often find themselves without a platform, facing job insecurity and professional alienation.

Adding to this complexity, a veteran journalist with forty years of experience in the press has voiced a stark personal opinion—he believes that the press and media have become the number one source of corruption. This statement reflects the growing public distrust in mainstream media, where commercial interests and sensationalism often overshadow factual reporting. He further added that politicians and authorities hold a minimal opinion of journalists, perceiving them as living at their mercy. This statement demands introspection from the journalistic fraternity—why has this perception been allowed to take root, and what steps can be taken to restore credibility and independence to the profession?

Furthermore, a recent international report highlights that journalism in India is increasingly under siege, citing escalating physical attacks, digital censorship, and legal intimidation against reporters. These findings reinforce the urgent need for structural reforms to protect press freedom and uphold the integrity of journalism.

Additionally, self-censorship is becoming more prevalent. Many reporters choose to withhold critical stories, fearing repercussions from powerful entities. This dilution of journalistic integrity is eroding the very purpose of the press—holding power accountable.

The role of the government: A responsibility unfulfilled

The government has a constitutional obligation to uphold press freedom, but its role has been largely passive. While laws exist to protect journalists, their implementation remains weak. Investigations into attacks on journalists are slow or inconclusive, sending a clear message that perpetrators can act with impunity.

A strong, independent press is vital for a functioning democracy, and the government must take active measures to safeguard it. Key steps include:

Enforcing strict legal protections: Attacks on journalists should be treated as serious crimes with fast-track legal proceedings.

Ensuring media independence: Policies must prevent political and corporate interference in news organizations.

Promoting press safety mechanisms: Journalists must have access to legal and security resources to protect themselves against threats.

Encouraging whistleblower protection: Those exposing corruption and malpractice must be shielded from legal and physical retaliation.

A call for collective action

It is not just the government but also civil society, media organizations, and the public that must take a stand. Media houses must come together to protect their reporters, ensuring that those facing threats receive legal and financial assistance. The public, as consumers of news, must demand independent journalism and hold both the media and the authorities accountable for safeguarding press freedom.

The fundamental question remains—if journalists cannot operate without fear, who will speak the truth? If the press falls silent, so does democracy. It is time for immediate action before the ability to report freely becomes a thing of the past.

The views expressed in this column are those of Ecclesiastes, the Omnivoyant Observer