N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Publishing Group and a leading figure in Indian journalism, discusses the precarious state of freedom of expression in India. He analyzes the historical and modern challenges faced by independent journalists under political pressure. The conversation delves into issues of surveillance, including the use of Pegasus spyware, and emphasizes the importance of press freedom amid increasing governmental control. Ram highlights the resilience of journalists fighting for truth and the ongoing fight against misinformation impacting democratic discourse.
Press freedom in India has been compromised under Modi's leadership, leading to intimidation of independent journalists and a fearful atmosphere.
The rise of social media has enabled new critical voices to challenge government narratives, despite increasing governmental efforts to regulate online content.
Deep dives
The State of Press Freedom in India
Press freedom in India has faced significant challenges, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014. Encroachments on independent journalism have intensified, resulting in an environment where dissenting voices are often met with intimidation and legal repercussions. While Modi's administration asserts that India enjoys a pluralistic media landscape with thousands of publications, critics argue that many mainstream outlets have become aligned with the government's narratives. Consequently, journalists are increasingly wary of expressing dissent and facing repercussions, leading to an atmosphere of fear within the journalistic community.
The Rise of 'Gaudi Media'
The term 'Gaudi media' reflects the growing concern that many Indian media outlets have become subservient to the interests of the government and its affiliates, effectively acting as 'lapdogs' of power. This trend has been fueled by ownership structures where affluent businessmen, with ties to the ruling party, dominate key media organizations, resulting in a monopoly on news and information. While some argue that this phenomenon isn’t unique to India, the specific mechanisms in place have further marginalized critical journalism, restricting its ability to challenge the government. This consolidation of power raises questions about the integrity and independence of investigative reporting in the country.
The Role of Social Media and New Voices
The advent of social media platforms has transformed the media landscape in India, allowing new voices and independent commentators to emerge outside of traditional media channels. Individuals like Ravish Kumar and Dhruv Rathi have found significant success on platforms like YouTube, engaging large audiences with critical insights that challenge the government's narrative. However, the government is seeking to impose new regulations aimed at controlling online content, purportedly to mitigate misinformation. This struggle highlights the ongoing tension between the need for accountability and the desire to suppress dissent, making the battle for press freedom an ongoing and dynamic issue in India's democracy.
Stephen Sackur speaks to one of India’s most influential media voices, N. Ram, director of the Hindu Publishing Group. With independent journalists complaining of intimidation and social media facing new curbs, is freedom of expression under threat in the world’s biggest democracy?
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode