Journalism's Emerging Ideological Strife

Journalism’s Emerging Ideological Strife

The concept of freedom of speech and expression is one that is paramount in a profession like journalism. Journalists are often considered the watchdogs of democracy. This notion holds true in every sense. After all, media is the “Fourth Estate” in the United States of America and the “Fourth Pillar of Democracy” in India. When an institution is entrusted with a responsibility this huge, it becomes essential to ensure that it be free of any bias. Objectivity, fairness, and balance are the unspoken rules of ethical journalism.

While there are a number of provisions to safeguard journalists’ lives, there is not enough being done in the field to protect them from rampant propaganda by state as well as

The Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) owned by brothers Mukesh and Ambani owns massive shares in media companies. Their recent acquisition of Viacom 18 was valued at US$678 million. According to a Forbes report, “Reliance, through Independent Media Trust, will control 73.1 percent of Network 18 Media and Investments Limited and 55 percent of TV18 Broadcast Limited.” Mukesh Ambani’s status as a media mogul has given his family a considerable amount of influence over reporting in India. For example, when Ambani’s son was recently involved in a hit-and-run car accident, the incident received very little coverage. However, such pervasive influence over the media is particularly damaging in the long run. This kind of deliberate withholding of information from the public, merely because one has considerable amount of money and power erodes the truth-seeking motive of the press. Journalists who attempt to work against the system face major obstacles, with death threats and physical assaults being

Media practitioners throughout the world are fiercely advocating independence of journalists from the state as well as private entities. The trickle-down effect of propaganda is rampant and debilitating to journalism. This effect can manifest itself in journalists choosing not to report on certain subjects for fear of repercussions. According to Matt J Duffy, one of the key factors that contribute to the existing media system in the Arab world is the emerging culture of “Self Censorship.” He writes, “academics that tread too close to sensitive subjects can be expelled from the host countries,” hence demonstrating how journalists self-censor for fear of greater