Free media cannot be free
The article argues that the rise of social media has created an information crisis, undermining the role of mainstream media. It suggests that for journalism to survive and regain public trust, it must move away from sensationalism and adopt a sustainable, reader-funded business model.
Why it matters
Addresses the critical decline of traditional journalism and the societal impact of misinformation in the digital age.
T he horizontal flow of information across peers on Social Media (SM) is turning out to be more impactful than its vertical flow from a source of authority to the mass audience, as it happens through Mainstream Media (MSM). SM has on the one side democratised information and held authorities accountable, but on the other hand it has created an information anarchy that generates social and political chaos. This crisis, and state attempts to manage it, is evident in the ban on the Telegram app. Public awareness about the NEET question paper leak and issues related to the evaluation of CBSE answer sheets — and reactions to them — were largely shaped by social media. Some students who were directly affected figured out and explained the issues much better than MSM; but in parallel, tons of misinformation also got circulated, creating panic.
The piece offers a critique of both social media and mainstream media, advocating for professional standards.
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