P. A. Chacko
Journalism and press freedom are identical twins. One cannot exist without another.
Free Press is considered the fourth pillar of democracy.
A free press fosters growth and development. It is powered by freedom of expression which is a fundamental right. It encourages critical opinions and thoughts without fawning for favours.
In totalitarian and authoritarian regimes, honest journalists, investigative writers and daring editors are often persecuted. The iron hand of repressive and regressive laws grips them in its vicious claws.Many get raided with a midnight knock.
In India the crawling journalists have deserved the honorific title: Godi Media. Those who belong to this category are either bought and terrorised, or crawl for favours for tainted reporting.
Fearless journalism is a tool to stonewall authoritarianism which flourishes on lies and untrue propaganda. It does not bury truth. Rather, it exposes falsehood and enlightens the public with truth.