In democratic nations like India, journalism holds a pivotal place, often regarded as the Fourth Estate — alongside the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. It plays a crucial role in scrutinizing power, questioning authority, and upholding constitutional values. However, unlike other estates, journalism — especially in India — suffers from a glaring gap: the lack of mandatory qualifications, both educational and ethical.
While courts demand legal expertise, and the civil services mandate rigorous exams, the media — which influences public opinion and shapes democracy — remains largely unregulated in terms of entry standards. The result is the gradual degeneration of this noble profession into what some now call the “filthy estate.”
The Rise of Unqualified and Rogue Journalists
With the evolution of new media (digital platforms, YouTube channels, blogs), journalism has become more accessible — and alarmingly, more abusable. The democratization of content creation, though powerful in principle, has led to a flood of self-styled journalists who lack even the basic understanding of ethics, law, or reporting standards.
Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression to every citizen, and this is the same freedom enjoyed by the press. However, media freedom does not mean media privilege. Unfortunately, some individuals misuse this freedom by exploiting the identity of “journalist” to threaten, blackmail, or cheat the public — all under the pretense of press power.
G.O. Ms. No. 239 : A Forgotten Attempt to Cleanse the Field
The Information & Public Relations (I&PR) Department of Telangana, through G.O. Ms. No. 239 dated 15.07.2016, attempted to introduce minimum educational qualifications for accredited journalists:
- SSC (10th Class) for Mandal-level reporters
- Intermediate (12th Class) for Constituency-level journalists
- Degree or equivalent for District and State-level reporters
While this was a welcome initiative, the enforcement has been disappointing. Political influence, caste networks, and nepotism have further polluted the accreditation process. Today, wedding videographers, ward members, grocery shopkeepers, mechanics, and even money lenders are donning the badge of “journalist” — often without the slightest understanding of media ethics or social responsibility.
A Stark Contrast with Government Jobs
To qualify for even the most basic clerical job in government, candidates must meet a minimum educational threshold and clear competitive examinations. Ironically, journalists — who interrogate top bureaucrats and ministers — are not subjected to any such scrutiny. How can a person without formal education or training in journalism ask meaningful questions or responsibly hold power accountable?
The Way Forward
If journalism is to preserve its sanctity and power in Indian democracy, a regulatory framework must be introduced and enforced uniformly:
- Mandatory educational qualifications for various levels of reporting
- Basic certification in media law, ethics, and reporting
- A transparent and merit-based accreditation system
- Legal provisions to penalize fake and fraudulent journalists
In an age where truth itself is under threat, the credibility of journalists becomes more crucial than ever. The Fourth Estate cannot be a dumping ground for those looking for power without accountability. It must be a beacon of integrity — and that starts with competence.
-MK
