[Answered] “The regional media in India is vulnerable to administrative excesses, political pressure and corruption.” Comment.

The regional media in India has never been more obedient to corporate and political forces as it is today. Freedom of journalists to objectively report is ceasing to exist, with governments and legal systems failing to protect or rescue them. Every day, journalists battle for autonomy, fight for their rights to speak out freely, protect media pluralism and counter the ills of monopolies.

Bad state of regional media in India:

1. Today, prominent Indian politicians and corporate entities are making increasingly underhanded investments in news media, and the press is failing to serve as a potent, unbiased tool to inform public perception.
2.  It is also increasingly unable to provide an arena for public debates where issues of shared interest can be represented and discussed.
3. Regional media and outlets in India are openly owned and controlled by political and business conglomerates, which are using the media to undermine the relevance of their opponents with scant regard for overall national interest.
4. The main casualty has been the ability of the citizen to find out the objective truth, as different media outlets divide into camps on any major issue, polarising the reporting and their readerships. This has become so evident that in a report to the government, India’s regulatory body, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), recommended legislation to empower journalists for free and fair expression.
5. Instances of irresponsible reporting and sensationalisation are common these days when controversial news stories are bandied in the public domain through media outlets. It suggests Indian journalism, with its lack of freedom and self-regulation, cannot be trusted now, it is currently known for manipulation and bias.
6. Important news are politicised to a great level for mere political gain and to score brownie points against each other. The blame game of the political parties becomes  the main highlight and the real essence of the news takes the backseat.
7. There is never a fair discussion. One can always sense the favouritism towards one side.

Indian media has become extremely politicised and it shows their irresponsibility. Media is considered the fourth estate. It should be neutral rather than taking sides. Media should not abuse its freedom and power by being biased. There should be a fair and free press. it is the biggest requirement in any democracy. Let us all pledge for a free, transparent and just media.