Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Zee Media, hosted a 'Media Meet' on 3 June to discuss press freedom and the state of news media in India.
During the event, he disclosed that Zee News faced pressure from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to comply with its directives regarding an interview with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. He claimed the party also threatened to withdraw advertising if the channel did not comply.
The media is regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy, yet the news fraternity is currently under increasing pressure from various sectors, including the legislature, executive, and corporations.
There are organised efforts to align the media with political agendas. Chandra emphasised that governments exert influence on the media through advertising pressure or by using state machinery to threaten the industry.
He stated, “Unfortunately, many news channels, newspapers, social media, and news platforms have started accepting this (pressure from the government) as part of life, instead of resisting or voicing disagreement.”
He emphasised that the media shares responsibility for the concerning state of press freedom in India. While acknowledging the government's role, he asserted that the media also bears equal accountability for India's low ranking on the press freedom index, where it stands at 159 among 180 nations.
“We should seek change in our news organisations, and accept the truth with courage. We are also responsible for this low ranking,” pointed out Chandra.
He urged the media fraternity to unite and withstand governmental pressure instead of remaining fragmented. On World Press Freedom Day, 3 May, Chandra issued a video message sharing his views on press freedom. In response to feedback from the media fraternity, he organised a Media Meet to engage in dialogue with senior members of the community.
Chandra remarked on the democratisation of news media and the expansive reach achieved by creators of news-based content, “In this digital era, everyone can become a news publisher without needing lakhs and crores of rupees. Also, in the current situation, influencer communities play a big role in news reporting.”
He also suggests that traditional media outlets are encountering difficulties as audiences increasingly turn to digital platforms for their news consumption.
His advice to the mainstream news industry is to adapt and stay relevant.
The Chairman of Essel Group will soon return to television screens with his popular show, The Subhash Chandra Show.
Regarding the unsuccessful merger with Sony Pictures Network India, Chandra stated that the media company is currently not seeking any partnerships. However, on 31 May, 2024, Sony's CEO Tony Vinciquerra announced that the company is exploring merger and acquisition opportunities in India following the breakdown of the merger with Zee Entertainment Enterprises.
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