Press must remain free if a country is to remain a democracy

Context:

• Journalists and their jobs are difficult and is equivalent to as of legislature and Judiciary in terms to awake the masses and speak on behalf of them.

Importance of press:

• Fourth Pillar of Democracy: The media is the fourth pillar in the conception of the State, and thus an integral component of democracy. A healthy democracy must encourage the development of journalism that can ask difficult questions to the establishment.
• Debates and discussion: The media sparks debates and discussion in a society. All societies inevitably become dormant and immune to the problems that plague them. Journalism is one of the key aspects which prod us out of this collective inertia.
  • For Example, the media’s coverage of the rape of Jyoti, or Nirbhaya, by certain men in Delhi resulted in widespread protests and later, in reforms to criminal law.
• Catalysts of social and political change:  Prior to independence, newspapers were run by social reformers and political activists in order to raise awareness.
  • For Example, Dr. Ambedkar launched newspapers such as Mooknayak to create awareness about the rights of the most neglected communities in India.