South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024–25

Context

The 23rd Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024–25, titled “Frontline Democracy: Media and Political Churn”, has flagged a concerning decline in press freedom across South Asia, including India. The findings underline the increasing challenges to journalism posed by legal restrictions, violence, disinformation, and political interference.

About the Report

Released By: Asia Press Freedom Group
Coverage: 8 South Asian countries – India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives
Timeframe: 2024–25 Annual Report

Key Findings

Over 250 media rights violations recorded across the region.
69 journalists jailed or detained, and 20 killed while on duty.
India ranked 151st globally in press freedom (Reporters Without Borders Index).
Bhutan dropped to 152nd, its lowest-ever ranking.
Pakistan witnessed its most violent year for journalists in the past two decades.
Major threats identified:
- Legal repression
- Disinformation and IT Cell propaganda
- AI-driven content distortion
- State surveillance and censorship

Issues Undermining Press Freedom

Legal and Institutional Pressure

Misuse of laws like UAPA, PMLA, Sedition, and Defamation to suppress critical journalism.
IT and ED raids on independent media houses further stifle dissent.

Disinformation Ecosystem

Political “IT Cells” spread hate speech and fake narratives.
Global Risks Report 2024 labels “manipulated information” as the biggest short-term global threat.

Choking Independent Media

Denial of government advertisements.
Selective internet shutdowns and restrictions on digital news platforms.

AI and Platform Economy Risks

Rise of AI-generated fake content diluting journalistic standards.
Gig journalists face poor working conditions, no labour protection, and rising job insecurity.

Gender Disparities

Under-representation of women in media leadership roles.
Persistent gender-based harassment both online and offline.

Consequences of Declining Press Freedom

Self-Censorship due to fear of legal retaliation or violence.
Democratic Deficit with weakened checks on government functioning.
Erosion of Public Trust in mainstream media due to perceived bias.
Curtailment of Citizen Access to Information, especially post laws like DPDP Act 2023 and amendments to RTI Act.

Way Forward

Reform Media Laws

Enact the Media Transparency Bill 2024 to check advertising monopolies and political influence.

Establish Independent Oversight

Create a media ombudsman for addressing censorship complaints and ensuring editorial independence.

Protect Journalists’ Rights

Extend labour protections to freelancers and gig journalists.
Provide legal aid, insurance, and safety protocols.

Strengthen Fact-Checking

Invest in independent fact-checking organisations, particularly during elections and conflict reporting.

Promote Digital Pluralism

Support community-driven and regional media outlets to counterbalance centralised narratives.

Conclusion

The steady decline in press freedom across South Asia, including India, threatens not just journalism but the democratic fabric itself. A free, independent, and fearless press is essential to ensure transparency, accountability, and informed citizenry. Proactive legal and institutional reforms must be undertaken to restore public trust and protect the integrity of the Fourth Estate.