South Asia’s Declining Press Freedom: India’s Alarming Position

What’s in Today’s Article?

• South Asia Press Freedom Latest News
• Introduction
• India’s Declining Press Freedom
• Press Freedom in Neighbouring Countries
• Economic and Structural Challenges for Media
• Reform Efforts and The Road Ahead
• South Asia Press Freedom FAQs

South Asia Press Freedom Latest News

• Indian media “has been shackled and subjected to a systemic strategy to cripple it”, according to the 23rd Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25.

Introduction

• The state of press freedom in South Asia has witnessed a significant erosion over the past year. 
• The Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25, titled “Frontline Democracy: Media and Political Churn,” paints a troubling picture of increasing restrictions, state-sponsored suppression, and growing dangers faced by journalists. 
• India, once hailed for its vibrant democracy, is now grappling with unprecedented challenges that threaten the independence of its media landscape.

India’s Declining Press Freedom

• The report devotes a specific section to India, titled “India: Propaganda and the Press,” highlighting the systematic efforts to control media narratives. Key factors include:
• Legal Suppression of Media Freedom:
  • Increasing use of sedition laws, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against media organizations and journalists.
  • Frequent defamation lawsuits and state-sponsored raids on media houses using the Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate.
• Rise in Self-Censorship:
  • A “chilling effect” has led many media outlets to avoid reporting critically on the government.
  • Government advertisements are routinely withheld from critical media outlets as a method of financial coercion.
• Manipulation of Information:
  • Political IT cells actively spread misinformation and hate speech, making it difficult for independent journalism to thrive.
  • According to the Global Risks Report 2024, India is identified as the country with the highest global risk of misinformation and disinformation.

Press Freedom in Neighbouring Countries

• Pakistan:
  • Marked as “the most violent year for journalists in two decades,” with eight journalists killed.
  • The government continues to operate under an authoritarian framework, severely curbing media rights.
• Bangladesh:
  • Transitioned from the ICT Act to the Cyber Security Act, but concerns remain over its transparency and misuse.
  • The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists reported nearly 300 attacks on journalists during political protests.
• Afghanistan:
  • At least 172 media rights violations were recorded, highlighting the continued assault on press freedom under Taliban rule.
• Bhutan and Maldives:
  • Bhutan fell from the 33rd position in press freedom rankings in 2021 to 152nd in 2025.
  • Maldives faces regulatory challenges with its Information Commissioner’s Office, undermining press freedom.

Economic and Structural Challenges for Media

• Shrinking Job Market and Rising Precarity:
  • Across South Asia, media organizations are grappling with layoffs, job insecurity, and a decline in advertisement revenue.
  • Gig and freelance journalists face worsening working conditions and limited legal protections.
• Impact of AI and Digital Media:
  • Increased reliance on AI for content creation has led to a decline in professional journalism standards.
  • Digital platforms such as YouTube and podcasts are rising but lack adequate regulation to maintain journalistic ethics.

Reform Efforts and The Road Ahead

• Despite the bleak scenario, some efforts toward reform have begun:
  • India’s Proposed Media Transparency Bill 2024 aims to regulate media monopolies and promote fair editorial practices.
  • Bangladesh’s Interim Government has committed to improving access to public information.
  • Nepal’s Media Consolidation Efforts under the National Broadcasting Corporation are seen as steps toward accountable public media.
• However, the report cautions that without stronger institutional protections and reduced government interference, the downward spiral in press freedom will likely continue.

South Asia Press Freedom FAQs

Q1. What is the key finding of the South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25?
Ans. The report highlights a steep decline in press freedom across South Asia, particularly in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Q2. Why is India’s press freedom under threat?
Ans. India faces rising government interference, legal crackdowns, and a high prevalence of misinformation, severely affecting media independence.

Q3. What legal tools are being misused to curb media freedom in India?
Ans. Sedition laws, UAPA, PMLA, and defamation lawsuits are frequently used against journalists and media houses.

Q4. Which country reported the highest number of journalist deaths in 2024-25?

Ans. Pakistan witnessed the highest journalist casualties, marking the most violent year for journalists in two decades.

Q5. Are there any ongoing reforms to improve press freedom in India?
Ans. India has proposed the Media Transparency Bill 2024 to address media monopolies and improve editorial independence.

Source: TH | AN