Anyone with a phone and microphone can claim to be a reporter, says Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court granted bail to two individuals accused of assaulting freelance YouTube reporters, while noting the lack of regulation for digital media. The court observed that the rise of self-styled reporters without journalistic training creates complex legal and social challenges.
Why it matters
The ruling underscores the growing legal debate over the definition of 'journalism' and the accountability of independent digital content creators.
The Delhi High Court has observed that nowadays virtually anyone armed with a mobile phone and a microphone can proclaim themselves to be a “reporter”, often without any journalistic training, ethical grounding, or accountability.
The article reports on a court observation and bail decision, balancing the rights of the press with the court's critique of unregulated digital media.
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