A Free Press Is Essential For Holding Governments Accountable

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 18 October 2024 Nowadays, I'm reading the books and ruminations of Arthur Hays Sulzberger, a prominent American journalist and publisher, best known for his long tenure as the publisher of "The New York Times." One particular quote of the legendary journalist struck me: The responsibility of the press is to take a hard look at power and hold it accountable. Arthur Hays Sulzberger's quote beautifully encapsulates the crucial role of the press in a democratic society. He emphasizes the responsibility of the media to critically analyse those in positions of power and ensure they are held accountable for their actions. In an era where power dynamics can easily go unchecked and public interest can be overshadowed, the press acts as a watchdog, diligently scrutinizing the decisions and behaviour of those in authority. Sulzberger advocates for a media that fearlessly challenges power, investigates wrongdoings, and provides the public with unbiased information. Through this process, the press serves as a crucial check on power, aiming to preserve transparency, integrity, and ultimately, the well-being of society. But is this happening in India? The print media and its reporters, correspondents and journalists are eager to vindicate and validate the ignoble tag given to them by General V K Singh a few years ago when he pooh-poohed a group of journalists as presstitutes. All newspapers and publications are kowtowing to the political dispensation at the helm. Read any newspaper and you'll be able to discern its political and ideological leanings. Editorials aren't hard-hitting any longer. Editors are writing with velvet gloves. A newspaper with certain political leanings will invariably condemn other political outfits. It has become a de rigueur practice. The journalistic ethos and ethics have vanished into thin air. Media, whether print or visual, has strangled and killed its soul. It's extolling and eulogizing those who're ruling, whereas the first obligation of the newspaper (in today's context, the media) is to inform the citizens, provide a forum for debate, and to help create an informed electorate. Newspapers should strive to be the voice of the voiceless and shine a light on the darkest corners of society because freedom of the press is not just a privilege, it is a fundamental pillar of democratic society. Sulzberger reminds us that protecting and preserving the freedom of the press is not just an option; it is a responsibility essential to the functioning of a truly democratic society. Alas, exactly the opposite is happening at the moment. Since I regularly follow European and American press and newspapers as well, let me add that this deplorable phenomenon is not unique to India. Newspapers and publications across the globe have somewhat lost their credibility. The only difference is that if the decline is palpable in India, it's perceptible in other parts of the world. ------ A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/free-press-essential-governments-accountable/d/133469 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism