With a huge drop in newspaper readership and growing concerns over credibility, it is crucial for newspapers and readers to collaborate on enhancing quality, reducing sensationalism, and upholding democratic values to foster a healthy society.

The number of newspapers in our country has increased significantly, and the number of people pursuing journalism as a livelihood is also rising day by day. Consequently, a competitive attitude has emerged among newspapers. This is indeed a positive sign. However, it is necessary to reflect on the mental nourishment provided by newspapers, which are recognized as the fourth pillar of democracy, and on their credibility. While it is true that readers are the main driving force behind a newspaper, there is a popular belief that Indians are among the least frequent newspaper readers in the world. In short, it would not be an exaggeration to say that only 10 percent (and less than five percent after COVID-19) of people in our country, or even our state, regularly read newspapers.

There is no doubt that every newspaper in the state has been negatively impacted by the proliferation of portal channels, which have been emerging on many news platforms and social media. The number of people reading daily newspapers is declining at an alarming rate. Therefore, considering the current readership levels, it can be argued that the newspapers in our country have not succeeded in providing the kind of mental nourishment required to foster a healthy society from the time of the country’s independence to the present. Recently, there has been a growing concern about the credibility of newspapers.

In earlier times, only one or two newspapers reached a particular area, often after a considerable delay. The well-educated individuals in the village would read the paper and share its contents with others, even if it meant sitting under a tree to do so. In contrast, today’s situation appears far behind those days. Given this, both readers and publishers need to reflect deeply on what measures should be taken to improve the quality of newspapers and make them more appreciated by all. This reflection is essential for addressing the issues we currently face.

With changing times and circumstances, questions have naturally arisen regarding the role and responsibilities of newspapers. Therefore, measures must be taken to curb the spread of sensationalism. The national life of Assam, in particular, is facing a deep crisis, and a rational discussion on the role of newspapers in strengthening society and promoting cleanliness is urgently needed.

In practice, the role of newspapers has been limited to providing general mental nourishment to readers. Recently, both journalists and readers have become more focused on sensational news. As a result, the subtle emotions and concerns of readers are becoming more vocal. The current situation of the country is vastly different from the past, and this difference must be acknowledged. Journalists and newspapers can never fully satisfy all needs, but it is undeniable that both readers and journalists are citizens. It is the primary duty of all citizens to contribute to creating a clean and strong society. To achieve this, both newspapers and readers must work together to remove obstacles and accelerate the pace of societal development.

Just as school and college management committees should not interfere with internal matters related to education, including examinations, the owners of news agencies should not interfere with the independence of newspapers. News and its content have an intrinsic role, and news should be presented as objectively as possible, like a photograph captured by a camera. Language and rhetoric are essential to expressing that image, and the correct words, along with the truth of events, must be artfully combined to create compelling news. Few editors or editorial boards across India today continue to uphold this standard, but there have always been—and still are—some newspapers, dedicated to the welfare of national life, that can be counted on one’s fingers. These newspapers, such as Ambikagiri Raichowdhury’s Deka Assam, Chetna, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Swaraj and Keshari, once determined the nation’s fate through sound, conscientious thinking.

In principle, the editorial column of a newspaper is its most important and valuable part. The editorial can shape the internal and external direction of a country. However, due to various issues, editors often lose their pen’s natural strength. Editorials should rise above personal and party interests and remain dedicated to the welfare of the state. For example, when B.K. Karanjia was the editor of BLITZ, his editorial columns from the time of Nehru to that of Morarji Desai stunned the central government. Because he remained above vested interests, Karanjia could do that. Today, although some dedicated journalists and intellectuals highlight various problems and scams, it is no secret that journalism has largely deteriorated. Editors must be vigilant in these matters.

It is worth noting that some newly recruited journalists in rural areas of the country attempt to collaborate with government machinery and falsely credit themselves with news submitted by others. They engage in blackmail and extortion through dishonest means. Such activities naturally undermine the purpose, credibility, and prestige of newspapers. Editors must be aware of these actions and take steps to prevent them.

Since newspapers are considered the fourth pillar of democracy, they must guide the people in the right direction. Newspapers must maintain independence from common attachments such as caste, religion, race, or family ties. Only then can they truly benefit society. In a developing country like India, where the dreams, goals, and ideals of more than 140 crore people are being shattered by certain groups, newspapers must rise to the challenge. They must show the people the right path, and that opportunity still exists.

After winter, spring will come.

The writer is Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator (CRCC) of Nalbari Cluster, Biswanath Education Block, Education Department, Government of Assam

By Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan

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Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan