Subhash Chandra, chairperson, Essel Group, addressed the press in New Delhi earlier today. 

During this, he stated that while media is considered as the fourth pillar of democracy, it's been facing increasing pressure from the Governing class as they make 'structured attempts' to push their agenda.

"Governments exert pressure on media through advertising influence or use of state machinery to threaten so that the press can be prevented from publishing factual information," he said.

He recounted an 'alarming incident' from 23 May.

"An interview of the chief minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal was conducted by a senior journalist of Zee News. Post the interview, the independent editorial team at Zee Media decided not to telecast it, keeping in mind some objectionable content in the interaction. Some portions of the interview were telecasted as well but the spokesperson of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) kept insisting that 'Zee News must publish the entire interview else it will face consequences like withdrawal of advertising (which was substantial on a monthly basis) by Punjab Government at the least'," he stated.

According to the note written by Chandra, the Government of Punjab forced a black out across the state, leveraging a monopoly of a particular Multiple System Operator (MSO) for Zee News, Zee PHH and Zee Delhi NCR.

"The state government also extended the blackout of Zee Entertainment channels. To add further AAP withdrew all the spokespersons from participating in debates held by Zee Media’s news channels. Unfortunately none of our fellow news networks raised any voice. Zee group neither could provide true news nor it could entertain its loyal viewers of Punjab for good eight days. Zee fought this battle independently and got the channels restored by seeking justice through a legal approach," he added.

Chandra's note called for support from media by stating that other houses could face similar consequences in the future. 

He also stated on 3 May 2024 (World Press Freedom Day), he released a video message that spoke about the freedom of the press.

"This video went viral within a short frame of time. The media fraternity appreciated this step. Most of them were even shocked and surprised yet noticed this bold statement of mine. As a result, my office received 54 press interview requests. Hence, I took a yet another proactive step and conducted a media-meet press conference, leading to a constructive round of conversation with the senior members of the media-fraternity," the note added.

"The after effects of the viral video led to various speculations and the governing class demanded an explanation," he added.
"Zee Media could not only explain the reason (as mentioned above) and added that it was not directed to any particular party or person(s). In fact, this step worked in favour of the fourth estate, since Zee Media got an assurance from the system that post elections, they will work with/in the new Government and make efforts to improve the ranking of India from the current 159th position amongst 180 nations. I was told that the mentioned rating has been low for two decades and the respective Governments did not attend to this issue," he said.

He also urged news channels, newspapers, social media and digital platforms to stop accepting such pressures as part of life and instead resist by voicing out their disagreement.

"These incidents are not isolated. Various organisations/people in the governing class (political, bureaucracy, corporates and others with money-mussels) have historically employed numerous tactics to suppress media organisations, from leveraging advertising revenue to exerting pressure through corporate avenues and use of investigating agencies. I not only recognise but also take pride in the importance of a free press in a democratic society and condemn any attempts to stifle journalistic freedom. The governing class has forgotten the defeat of Mrs. Indira Gandhi post emergency era. One of the major reasons for her own team’s atrocities did not come to light or to her notice; because the same team had suppressed the media. If she knew about those horrific things, she would have never let it happen to people, hence I believe that media’s freedom is important and essential for the senior/top leadership of the Government of the day. Zee Media’s news channels and platforms will continue to focus on public interest stories, bringing crucial information to the forefront regardless of external pressures," he said.

The note ended by urging all stakeholders (viewers and regulatory bodies) to recognise and stand against these threats to press freedom. 

"A free and independent media is crucial for the health of our beloved country in terms of its economy, the social structure, protection of weaker people of society, reduction of corruption and finally democracy. I and my team are ready to pay a price or face any consequences, to keep fulfilling our ‘dharma’ towards our readers/viewers," he concluded.