On this International Press Freedom Day (May 3), we pause to reflect on the beating heart of democracy, the Press. In an age where headlines fly at lightning speed and facts wrestle with fiction, the role of journalism has never been more vital, neither more vulnerable. But beyond the newsrooms and bylines, what does press freedom truly mean for everyday people navigating a maze of information, misinformation, and half-truths?
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To explore this, we spoke to a range of individuals, from students and scholars to shopkeepers and homemakers, each offering a unique window into how media is perceived today.
Manjalika Deori, a psychology student at Cotton University who is also minoring in mass communication, described the press in one word: “biased.” She felt that media has drifted from its original purpose, now leaning more toward entertainment and political interests rather than real issues.
Debasish Pal, a newspaper vendor with four decades of experience, shared that news used to be more engaging. “News is decreasing,” he remarked, pointing to a perceived decline in both quality and reader interest.
Prafulla Das, a PhD scholar in Performing Arts, suggested that media is “controlled,” particularly by corporate entities and influential individuals. He raised questions about the growing dependency on advertisements and how that affects editorial independence.
Jahnabi Boro, a second-semester undergraduate student, offered a more optimistic view. She appreciated how quickly media now reaches the scene and covers stories in real-time—a sign, perhaps, of progress in media efficiency.
Rajesh Chandra Boro, a small business owner, called for honesty in media coverage. For him, whether the government does something right or wrong, it should be reported fairly and without bias.
Tejaswini Baruah, another Cotton University student, shared two perspectives. In one, she described the press as “very active,” appreciating its fast-paced nature. In another, she remarked that media freedom is shaped by “the vision of the audience,” hinting at the shared responsibility between content creators and consumers.
Darshan Jyoti Nath, a higher secondary science student, viewed the media landscape with caution. While he believes the media plays an important role, he also feels it sometimes leans toward political bias or spreads misinformation issues that, in his view, warrant improvement.
Xewali Roy Das, a small shop owner from Pathshala, sees media as a powerful entity. For her, media is essential for keeping people informed and the state accountable. She expressed trust and dependence on the media’s presence in public life.
Abantika Devi, a homemaker, shared a balanced view. To her, media has both positive and negative sides. While it can enlighten and protect people through responsible reporting, it can also mislead when misused. Her word for media was “good,” but with the hope that those misrepresenting it would reconsider their actions.
A government official, who requested anonymity, stated that the very act of questioning press freedom and receiving responses is itself an example of press freedom. He added sarcastically that the media does have a certain degree of freedom—they can broadcast, publish, or post anything they wish, but the consequences that may follow could come as a shock to them.
These varied voices bring forward a spectrum of thoughts, some hopeful, some critical, and many that fall somewhere in between. From bias and corporate influence to speed and accessibility, the discussion around press freedom is clearly layered and evolving.
As you reflect on these perspectives, perhaps the question isn’t just whether the press is free but rather, how it uses that freedom, and what role we as readers, viewers and citizens, play in shaping it. On this day, the conversation remains open. And maybe that, in itself, is a sign of freedom.