World Press Freedom is meant to promote freedom of expression through media to inform, sensitize and educate the public on news and views, events and situations which are local, national and international.
In 1993 UNESCO declared 3 May as Press Freedom Day. Freedom of Press has always been understood as a very important segment of democratic institutions. Hence, Media is considered the fourth pillar of democracy. That is to say, along with the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, it holds an important place in society.
Freedom of press is consonant with freedom of expression. In an increasingly authoritarian environment in which some governments choose to function, Press is harassed, harnessed and hammered into submission.
“Godi Media’ is a very fitting term given to the media that crawls on all fours to play second fiddle to an arrogant and authoritarian government. The term is meant to express media ‘sitting on lap.’ It is also equivalent of ‘lapdog media.’
‘Godi Media’ expression was coined and popularised by NDTV journalist Ravish Kumar to highlight the manner in which some sections of the Press engage in playing second fiddle to the powers that are.
Today, in a democratic world, freedom of expression through press and media cannot be ignored. A healthy democracy needs a free, unbiased and healthy press.