The pressure on the proprietor of the Indian Post to close it down or sell it to a supporter of the Congress (I), which has led to the resignation of its editor, Mr. Vinod Mehta is a part of the Congress (D’s general offensive comprises government action to intimidate independent newspapers. Two hundred and thirty prosecutions have been launched against the Indian Express, its building in Delhi has been taken over and it is being harassed by income tax authorities. Twenty seven cases have been filed against Eenadu in Andhra Pradesh. The Statesman is being harassed over the construction of its multi storied building in Delhi.
The second prong of the strategy is behind the scene arm twisting by the Prime Minister’s cronies like Capt Satish Sharma who has been active both in the Statesman and the Indian Post episode. The third prong is an attempt to divide the press. That old trick of rewarding the obliging and punishing the recalcitrant has been very much in use. While some are compelled to sell their newspapers others are encouraged to buy. Besides there are other rewards like increased government advertising and quick clearance of industrial licenses which an industrial house, which also publishes newspapers may apply for, Unfortunately even the rise in newsprint prices has helped to divide. Newspapers which are able to absorb it are not willing to fight the government on the issue. As a result, the Indian Newspaper Society is unable to register a united protest.
One lesson is clear. Industrialists have to choose between licenses and newspapers as the quest for the former makes them vulnerable to governmental pressure, Besides, newspaper owners should ponder whether not taking a stand on issues like the hike in newsprint prices is wise. The Congress I aims as underlined by the Defamation Bill is to have a servile press. The government had to withdraw that Bill in the teeth of united protest by all sections connected with the Press. Such unity, however may prove elusive in future if the divisions in the Press tum acrimonious. Also a press, weakened by the crippling of the more outspoken newspapers, may not have the strength to resist another measure like the Defamation Bill. In the long run the Press can only retain its independence if it is united. Meanwhile even if some publishers do not see the writing on the wall, others who do must close their ranks and come to the assistance of those who are under pressure.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 1, 1989
