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N. Ram: Freedom of expression in India

Feb 24, 2025
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.
22:58

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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