New Delhi/Dhaka, 3 May 2024: The International Federation of Journalists Vice President and Indian Journalists Union Secretary General Sabina Inderjit expressed grave concern over the growing climate of fear, intolerance, clampdown, stifling of independent voices, the fourth estate in South Asia which in turn was chipping away the cornerstone of democracy. The occasion was to mark World Press Freedom Day by UNESCO in association with Transparency International Bangladesh in Dhaka on 2 May.
Giving a brief overview of IFJ’s 22nd annual South Asia Press Freedom Report ‘Artificial Independence: The Fight to Save Media and Democracy’ which was released, Sabina highlighted the struggles for future of media amidst state crackdowns, political polarisation, challenges to democratic rights, lack of media sustainability, and economic turmoil. The region’s so-called democracy, she feared was gradually fading under autocratic regimes and political polarisation, (though Bhutan and Maldives would be an exception) which have impacted civil liberties and fundamental freedoms again and again.
Widespread economic crises had further deepened the fallout as sustainability/viability of mainstream media is a cause of concern; with government’s seeking to have their way by hanging the sword through advertisements; journalists losing jobs or opting for other professions and media outlets shutting down. At same time, while digital media was growing stronger, there was a downside – rise in misinformation, disinformation and social media manipulation and controls.
Besides a big question mark hangs on media’s credibility itself; there’s a growing trust deficit with the public holding media responsible for fuelling political divides and dissensions; as well as increasing self-censorship. Attacks on journalists continue to grow: there are at least 232 violations, including killings, jailings, legal harassment and assaults. The IFJ recorded eight targeted killings of media workers and 86 cases of jailing, detention or torture and at least 14 journalists remain behind bars. There’s clampdown on access to information and brazen internet shutdowns impacting right to freedom of expression; digital laws to regulate the media.
For democracies to fulfil their promise, independent and free media has a critical role to play. She emphasised that professional journalists have a clear duty to inform a diverse range of people, to hold the powerful to account, and to provide comprehensive coverage to empower people with the knowledge they need.
