On November 16, as we observe National Press Day in India, there’s a question that lingers in the air - Is the press truly free in India, or have we lost our way in the chaos of competition and sensationalism?
Sure, it’s a day to celebrate the media’s role as the “fourth pillar of democracy,” but it’s also an important moment to reflect on whether we’re still upholding the values that make the press a powerful force for truth and accountability—or if we’ve been swayed by politics, profit, and the thirst for attention.
It’s no secret that many members of the press often crumble under the weight of political pressure. There’s a familiar story in newsrooms—journalists eager to chase the truth, only to be pushed aside by higher-ups or government forces with more power.
Yet, in this sea of compliance, there are always the brave few who refuse to bow down. But their courage often comes with a price, and as we’ve seen time and again, standing firm doesn’t always bode well for one’s future. These individuals are often sidelined or silenced, while the ones who can be "moulded" to fit the agenda rise to the top.
Now, in the digital age, it’s as if every 100 km in India, there’s a new news portal springing up. It’s a good thing—more voices, more perspectives, more coverage of what’s happening around us. But with that explosion of media outlets comes a new problem - the competition to be the first one to break the story. This race to the top has led to a worrying trend—journalistic integrity being compromised for the sake of speed.
In this rush, the truth often takes a back seat. Everyone’s more focused on breaking news before the other guy does, regardless of whether they’ve verified the facts. And what do we get in return? Sensationalised headlines, half-baked stories, and the occasional clickbait.
It’s as if the media has become a reality show, where the more outlandish the claim, the better. In the pursuit of views, the lines between fact and fiction blur.
With each new headline, we’ve forgotten to pause and reflect on what we’re actually reporting.
What’s even more troubling is how the attention span of both the press and the public has drastically diminished. News cycles are shorter than ever, and in the rush to stay relevant, the focus on long-term, investigative journalism is quickly fading. Serious stories get buried under the avalanche of more "exciting" and "shareable" content.
We’ve become so hooked on the thrill of the next viral piece that we’ve lost sight of what it means to be true journalists.
The role of the press has never been more critical than it is today. It’s up to us to ensure that media remains the pillar of democracy that it was meant to be. We need to stop sacrificing truth for speed, and we need to stop feeding the green-eyed beast of sensationalism.
The time has come to remember that journalism isn’t just about getting a story out first—it’s about getting it right.
So, this National Press Day, it's worth asking - Is the media what it should be? Is it fulfilling its role as the fourth pillar of democracy, or has it crumbled under the weight of competition, sensationalism, and political interference?