Former Union Minister P Chidambaram has presented a stark contrast between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent speech celebrating press freedom and the actual conditions facing Indian journalists today. In his column published on November 23, 2025, Chidambaram dissected the Prime Minister's sixth Ramnath Goenka Lecture, where Modi praised courageous journalism while the reality on ground tells a different story.
The Inspiring Words vs The Harsh Reality
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered what Chidambaram described as "music to reporters' ears" during his address at the Ramnath Goenka Lecture. The Prime Minister eulogized Ramnath Goenka's stand against British tyranny and during the Emergency, noting how the press baron preferred shutting down his newspaper rather than following oppressive orders.
Modi specifically highlighted how The Indian Express used blank editorials to challenge the mentality that sought to enslave during the Emergency period, which marks 50 years this year. He emphasized that Ramnathji always stood by truth and placed duty above everything else, regardless of the powerful forces opposing him.
However, Chidambaram quickly pivots to ask: "Well said, but what is the reality of the media today?"
The Culture of Fear in Indian Media
Chidambaram reveals disturbing accounts of media suppression that contradict the Prime Minister's noble words. He shares multiple instances where journalists faced severe consequences for attempting to practice independent journalism.
One editor was given a cheque for his remaining contractual salary and told to clear his desk by day's end. A television anchor with the largest viewership was forced to pack his bags after a ownership change described as a "midnight coup" in industry circles. Numerous famous journalists have lost jobs in the past decade and remain unemployed today.
The most poignant story comes from former minister Yashwant Sinha, who recounted how a young journalist asked him: "Sir, I'll report your remarks. If I lose my job, will you find me one?" Sinha, stunned, could only advise the journalist to save his job.
Invisible Censorship and Monitoring
Chidambaram asserts that an invisible censor operates round-the-clock in Indian media today. According to his informed sources, there is 24x7 monitoring of all major newspapers and television channels, discreet telephone calls to editors, and advisories that cannot be ignored without consequences.
He shares a personal anecdote about a journalist friend who received a call during their dinner at a small restaurant. The journalist was summoned home where an OB van waited for him to read a pre-prepared statement. When Chidambaram asked why he didn't refuse, the journalist solemnly replied: "I have a mother and father, both old and dependent on me, and I have an EMI on my house."
Chidambaram categorizes journalists into two types: those driven by greed who thrive by screaming, abusing, and inventing outlandish stories, and those driven by fear who merely survive. He cites the example of Operation Sindoor where some journalists falsely claimed Indian naval ships had encircled Karachi port and troops were poised to enter the city.
The veteran politician concludes with a powerful statement: "Fear is the worst enemy of freedom. India can have either a fear-stricken Press or a free Press." He notes that only small media outlets in Indian languages, excluding Hindi media, appear spared from this pervasive atmosphere of fear.
