This article was written by Ummu Aimen, pursuing the Diploma in Content Marketing and Strategy Course from Skill Arbitrage, and edited by Koushik Chittella.
This article has been published by Shashwat Kaushik.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Newspapers and magazines play an important role in addressing India’s urgent social issues by raising awareness, fostering public interest, and holding authorities accountable. They serve as a bridge between the government and the public, ensuring that critical issues such as poverty, education, health science, and corruption are brought to the forefront in the toughest times. When the world stood aside with the help of magazines and newspapers, it was always the media that played the most consistent and prominent role in shaping society. They highlight the injustice in broad daylight out of the darkness and become the voice for the voiceless. The network of online media and digital media is inspiring and spreading like wild air around the world. The progress in shaping and drafting the new scenario is remarkable, where justice and society remain in the hands of the law and the administration of the country.
History
Newspapers and magazines are written, edited, proofread, and finalised by intellectuals with constant interest and dedication. The only mantra that was revolving in their heads was just the truth and justice alone. It reflects the country’s socio-political evolution. The first newspaper in India, “Hicky’s Bengal Gazette,” was published in 1780 by James Augustus Hicky. This weekly newspaper faced censorship and was eventually shut down, but it laid the foundation for an enormous press culture in India. By the mid-19th century, newspapers like “The Times of India,” founded in 1838, and “The Hindu,” established in 1878, played crucial roles in shaping public opinion and supporting the independence movement.
Even magazines have a rich history in India, with some of the earliest being “The Indian Review,” launched in 1900, and “The Modern Review,” started by Ramananda Chatterjee in 1907. These publications provided a platform for intellectual and cultural discussions, significantly contributing to the nation’s literary and educational development. Now, post-independence, the magazine industry diversified, with periodicals covering various genres, from politics and business to fashion and entertainment, making them an integral part of India’s media landscape.
There was no flaw or falsified fabrication as per the social norms and livelihood. The press and media had a fantabulous nature of dignified policies that concentrated only on the reality of that time. The press cannot mislead the public and traumatise their hearts. Reading newspapers and magazines was considered a royal man’s work or the man like the readers was the bookish Man of Pride. The cost of printing and circulation was high with all the costs and demands of those days. But the clarity and consistency were remarkable. Radio and television became primary sources of news, information, and entertainment. Both the digital and print media in India date back to the late 18th century. India has over 500 satellite channels, including more than 80 news channels with radio broadcasting back then from 1927.
Modern Era
The value of being in the press as a journalist, editor, copywriter, author, distributor, or salesperson are both oxymoronic instances. The job in this industry is neither safe nor dangerous. Times have witnessed the effective hard work of the source on and off the field. To be precise, the journalists never worked for fame or celebrity banners. They cut the chase from Mud to Mountain, Sea to Sky, Dump to Desert, Filth to Flaw, Birth to Death, Starve to Food, Blood to Boon, Money to Poverty, War to Peace, and whatnot?!
Journalists or basic news-collecting informers are not welcome always, as assumed. Many cases have witnessed their last breath. The modern era has given the liberty to run to corners and ends to collect detailed reports of the journey. Technology overwhelmed by advances has a much better way of obtaining the news on time with authencity. Investigative journalists in India face various challenges and legal threats. They are also subject to harassment, abuse, insults, and censorship. Despite these obstacles, they continue to play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and accountability.
Major publishers
The Hindu, The Indian Express, Tehelka, The Wire, and The Reporters Collective have consistently produced high-quality investigative journalism, contributing to a more informed and engaged society. Their contributions have been outspoken for many decades, not only inside the country but also abroad. There are prominent magazines from before the Independence of India. The major Indian news agencies are profound in their service and have connections all around the world in every field. Apart from these difficulties, they stand still as legends. There exists outstanding dedication by all the publishers, including Frontline, India Today, Outlook, The Week, Tehelka, and also regional magazines, Nakeeran in Tamil, Karnataka Today in Kannada, Kerala Politics in Malayalam, Greater Kashmir, Rajasthan Weekly, The Week, and many Vernacular Times.
Media as a source of information
Using media for social change is powerful, but it comes with several challenges. The rumors that spread false information can undermine efforts to promote social change. Media has a bias that influences social issues. Government censorships in some regions are limiting the free report on some issues. Capturing and maintaining the public’s interest in social issues can be tough cases of an investigative nature. Deep reporting needs significant time and resources to produce evidence that is not available on time. Journalists reporting on sensitive issues may face threats, harassment abuse, humiliation, or violence that leads to the end of an investigation. Rural and unprivileged areas were out of access to digital media, and social awareness campaigns were not possible due to the negligence of equality. Media organisations often rely on advertising revenue, which has its cooked-up content, stories, assumptions, and priorities at the expense of social issues. Despite All these challenges, media remains a vital tool for driving social change.
Strategies with multi-face approach
The public must be educated on how to critically evaluate information sources via social media platforms, SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, the internet, newspapers, pamphlets, posters, street plays, shorts, videos, etc. Schools, colleges, universities, community programs, and workplaces must take responsibility for teaching the public about the authenticity of the news prevailing in society. Supporting high-quality journalism, reputed organisations that consistently adhere to strict editorial standards are less likely to spread misinformation.
Tech companies can develop tools with the help of AI in current scenarios to check the information related to any affairs. Governments can introduce strict and supportive laws to protect the journalists, media, and newspaper community, which will live and lead the world till the end of time. Today’s affairs are tomorrow’s history. People must follow a variety of sources, get updated with resourceful pieces of information, and also identify fake and incorrect news by using their conscience.
Positive approach and changes on the row: Writing articles or creating content that advocates for policy changes or social reforms by voicing support for causes that matter to one’s community. Highlighting individuals and organisations that are making a positive impact. Encouraging discussions and debates on social issues. NGO’s and activists to amplify their efforts. Ensuring one’s report is accurate is very important. Providing a safe space for whistleblowers to share their stories, utilising various forms of media, inspiring podcasts, infographics, etc. can bring differences in the newspaper and magazine contributions in India.
Challenges and criticisms
Whistleblowers often face harassment and threats, and there have been calls for stronger protections. UAPA for Anti-Terrorism law allows the Government to detain individuals without trial for extended periods Journalists reporting on controversial topics such as separatist movements or insurgencies can be arrested under this Act. Issuing of GAG orders to prevent the publication of certain stories Journalists also face censorship, where their work is either edited or suppressed by media owners under political pressure. Journalists are the true warriors of all times who risk themselves to bring the truth of all cases and issues from time to time; they face cruciality both online and offline. Economic pressures and dematerialization of all favor and money to suppress a particular group or rights is inhumane. Few notable cases that are remembered all the time and travel like a warning to this world. Journalists and cameramen who covered the live sessions were brutally assaulted in uncountable broadcasts. Reporters uncovering government surveillance plans have faced sedition charges, legal threats, and intimidation. Here are major challenges faced by journalists and media personnel:
- Economic pressures and job insecurity: Many journalists face job insecurity due to economic pressures, leading to self-censorship or reluctance to report on controversial topics that might jeopardise their employment. This economic vulnerability can be exploited by those wishing to suppress certain stories or viewpoints.
- Digital surveillance and privacy concerns: With the rise of digital journalism, reporters and their sources are increasingly vulnerable to surveillance and hacking. This not only endangers their personal safety but also compromises the confidentiality of their sources, which is crucial for investigative journalism.
- Legal and political intimidation: Beyond sedition charges, journalists often face a range of legal threats, including defamation lawsuits and politically motivated arrests. These tactics are used to intimidate and silence journalists, undermining their ability to report freely and accurately.
- Social media harassment: Journalists, especially women and minorities, are often subjected to online harassment, including threats, abuse, and coordinated attacks aimed at silencing their voices. This digital harassment can have severe psychological impacts and deter journalists from pursuing certain stories.
- Lack of diversity and representation: The media industry often lacks diversity, leading to a narrow range of perspectives being represented in news coverage. This can result in biased reporting and a failure to adequately cover issues affecting marginalised communities.
Conclusion
The persistent efforts of print media to highlight social justice and advocate for change have profoundly impacted society. Diverse stories, newspapers, and magazines inform or transfer, inspire action, and drive social progress. Their role is shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions, which remains indispensable in the quest for a more equitable and justice-served society with patriotism and universal brotherhood.
References
- www.indiatimes.com
- www.vakilsearch.com
- www.en.wikipedia.org
- www.economictimes.com
- www.presscouncil.nic.in
- www.thebetterindia.com
- www.link.springer.com
- www.socialimpactguide.com
- www.journalsalliancepub.com
- www.psychologytoday.com
- www.theconversation.com
- www.today.usc.edu
