South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25: India Ranked 151

10 May 20251 min read

Why in the news

A regional report on media freedom painted a grim picture of South Asia, warning that journalistic independence in India faces systemic pressure.

The 23rd Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report carries the subtitle Frontline Democracy (Media and Political Churn); its publisher is the Asia Press Freedom Group.
Eight nations are covered, from Afghanistan and Bangladesh to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, including India.
250+ violations; 69 journalists jailed or detained; 20 killed on duty.
India: 151st; Bhutan at its worst rank, 152; Pakistan saw its deadliest twenty years’ worst year for reporters.

Legal harassment: use of UAPA, PMLA, sedition and defamation laws; Income Tax and ED raids on independent outlets.
Disinformation: party-run IT cells spread fake news, hate speech and propaganda; the Global Risks Report 2024 ranks manipulated information first among near-term global threats.
Censorship of digital media: denial of government ads, arbitrary internet shutdowns and control over online narratives.
AI: generated content hurts credibility, and algorithms reward sensational content over verified news.
Gig work: freelancers face low pay, short contracts and no protection.
Gender gaps: few women in newsroom leadership and widespread harassment.

Pass the Media Transparency Bill 2024: stop monopolies and cross-ownership, share government ads fairly, and disclose funding and ownership.
Create a Media Ombudsman for censorship and surveillance complaints, editorial independence and grievance redressal.
Give labour protection to freelance and gig journalists; provide legal aid against SLAPP suits and safety tools like press badges and helplines.
Fund fact-checking, media literacy and election-time verification.
Back independent startups and community radio with tax and grant incentives.