4 May 2024: India’s press freedom has seen a significant decline, with the country now ranking 159 out of 176 nations in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This marks a drop of two places from the previous year’s ranking of 161.
RSF highlighted the crisis facing press freedom in India, citing instances of violence against journalists, highly concentrated media ownership, and political alignment. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014, press freedom has deteriorated, with the media increasingly aligning with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hindu nationalist ideology.
Despite recent changes in laws and the acquisition of media outlets by influential figures close to the government, India’s press freedom continues to decline. The report criticized the influence of corporate giants like Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani on the media, signaling a decline in pluralism in mainstream outlets.
The rise of “Godi media,” known for its populist and pro-BJP propaganda, has further undermined press freedom, with journalists critical of the government facing harassment campaigns orchestrated by BJP-backed trolls.
Globally, the trend is concerning, with governments failing to uphold the principles of journalism and the public’s right to reliable and independent news. India’s neighbors, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives, have fared slightly better in the rankings, underscoring the severity of the situation in India.
The decline in India’s press freedom ranking raises serious concerns about the state of democratic values in the country. As calls for greater media freedom and independence grow louder, it remains to be seen how the government will address these pressing issues and uphold the principles of a free and democratic society.
