Changing Face of Indian Journalism-Political Agitations to Economic Alliances

Abstract

This paper, based on a very brief review of the history of Indian newspapers during 1780—2011, argues that the face of journalism in India is changing. The Indian press represented agitation against authority — be it East India Company or British government— since its inception. But twenty-first century Indian journalism has business and financial alliances with advertisers in the public sector (government) and private corporations. Today, journalism means giving visibility to brands and creating image rather than agitating against corrupt power structures. The journey of newspapers is a story of changing ownership, role, organizational structures, content, and regulation narratives over 200+ years. It is concluded that in the 21st century, newspapers in India do not stand for political mobilization, nation building or the creation of public awareness about vital matters. Their ‘mission’ is money. News media are ‘on sale’, for ‘paid news and private treaties’. Commoditization of newspapers is becoming the norm of media business. Journalism as ‘information for public good’ has become a ‘vehicle of business and trade communication’ and profiteering is its priority.