The Orient BlackSwan ‘Policy Studies’ series is designed to address, investigate and analyse public policy in the field of governance.

Considered the ‘fourth pillar of democracy’, news media is shaped by many stakeholders, including journalists, business owners, the State and, of course, the public. Caught between powerful competing interests, can the media truly function as an independent institution?

Taking Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, as its starting point, Framing the Media assesses the impact of legislation and public policy on press freedom in India. Moving from the colonial era to the present day, the book covers critical developments: the Press Commissions in the 1950s–1970s; the Emergency of 1975–1977; economic liberalisation and the consolidation of media monopolies; and legislation on internet-based media, including the IT Rules, 2021.

This concise volume is essential reading for anyone interested in how negotiations among citizens, the State, and news workers have shaped the media in India.

Pamela Philipose, an award-winning journalist, is presently the ombudsperson for The Wire.in. With over 40 years of professional experience, she has been associated with The Times of India, The Sunday Observer, Down to Earth, The Indian Express and Women’s Feature Service.

Preface     ix
List of Abbreviations     xi

Introduction: Media Policy-Making in an Independent India     1

1. First Movers on Freedom of Speech and Expression     8

2. A Struggle Without End for a Free Press     38

3. Radio, Television and Channelling Changing Ideas     73

4. Freedom of Speech and Expression in the Digital Age     107

Afterword     148

References     150