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The press freedom

The press freedom
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The world observed the ‘Press Freedom Day’ yesterday and Kashmir too became part of the observance. We had several discussions and talks that divulged details on freedom of press and the problems the members of the fourth estate confront while reporting in a conflict zone.
The freedom of press or generally media is put to test in the area of operation where it runs and manages itself. Kashmir too is one such territory where lot of debates and discussions are held over whether the press here is free and unbiased.
Going by the overall parameters that one faces and experiences India’s ranking in the Press Freedom Index, assessed and compiled by Reporters Without Borders has slipped from an already low 136 in 2017 to an even worse 138 in 2018, in a pool of 180 nations.
Press freedom in the country has been categorised as being in a difficult situation. Nations with chequered records with respect to press freedom, such as Afghanistan, Palestine and Myanmar find themselves ranked higher than India.
The report compiled by the media watch dog says that India’s ranking was decided by the actual position and the level of press freedom in the conflict-ravaged state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The situation in the Kashmir Valley, a news black hole, contributed to the poor ranking of a country whose long tradition of vibrant media could nonetheless enable it to rise again in the Index.
For journalists operating in the state, this is no surprise given that they are working in the toughest of conditions, coping with, among others, the J&K government and the central government, through its investigative agencies and paramilitary forces, all of whom have been accused of attempting to muzzle the voice of the fourth estate.
The situation becomes all the more difficult when we talk of the local media as the owners of the media in Kashmir have to maintain a balance amongst all the players that are active in this conflict.
The vulnerability of newspapers in Kashmir is higher because they rely almost entirely on government advertisements for their revenue. The state, a conflict ridden one has no vibrant corporate sector and no private businesses have been able to thrive here during the past three decades.
The private sector is non-existent, so the dependent on government advertisements for sustenance becomes a reality. But that is not turning out to be a governing factor for determining the freedom of press in Kashmir.
Kashmir has been witnessing more or less an unbiased media which has walked a tightrope and proven to be professional as far its operations are concerned.
There are some grey areas but most of the time those who have remained neutral have not faced intimidations or harassment by the powers that may be exercising some control.
Though there is pressure from all sides and this fact cannot be denied. All those who wish to get their narrative heard across the board try to exercise some control but that control is manageable if one remains a thorough professional and does not give in to the interests that come with such control and pressure.


KV Network

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