By Akangjungla
The newspapers in India have come a long way since James Augustus Hicky introduced the first printed newspaper in the country called the Hicky’s Bengal Gazette on January 29, 1780. Every year January 29 is observed as the Indian Newspaper Day, also known as the National Newspaper Day, which marks the publication of the Hicky's Bengal Gazette. It not only laid the foundation for newspaper industry but also ushered in the era in journalism in the country. The Indian Newspaper Day honours the history and enduring journey of print journalism in India and most importantly celebrates the spirit of Press Freedom.
For the last 245 years, newspapers in India have been instrumental in creating awareness and safeguarding the democratic processes and serving as the fourth pillar of democracy. While many publications succumbed to censorship and financial factors, newspapers have risen above these challenges and continue to evolve in addressing issues like development, corruption and social justice. Reflecting the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity, today, India boasts as one of the largest newspaper markets in the world, with publications in several languages catering to diverse readers.
Despite their historical significance and widespread reach, newspapers today face new challenges that stem from technological, economic, and socio-political factors, weakening the sustainability of print media. Navigating the changing preference of news consumption among the young generation has become a huge task for the traditional newspapers. Today young people prefer crisp, visually appealing and interactive content, which is ideal for digital platforms. Readers are shifting to digital platforms for real-time news updates which have impacted the print newspaper by ways of declining circulation and advertising revenues.
The rising cost of newsprint, ink, printing, and distribution has been scaling higher, making it difficult for smaller publications to maintain profitability. The most wearisome is the pressure from entities that hold the social and political power. From threats of legal action to boycotts, such pressure has been undermining press freedom. While the challenges are significant, the enduring trust in newspapers, built through reliability and accountability, helps maintain the print medium as credible sources of information, thereby offering hope for its continued relevance and importance in the media landscape.
The Indian Newspaper Day Indian Newspaper Day 2025 with the theme ‘role of print media in the digital age’ underscores the importance of ethical journalism, freedom of expression, and the need for press freedom. As the world progresses, newspapers should continue to play its vital role in informing, educating and empowering citizens.
Comments can be sent to akangjungla@gmail.com
