Journalism that aims to present facts without bias or influence is fundamental to democratic societies; it is value-neutral. Journalism that does not prioritize any particular ideology has long had a tough time operating in South Asia due to the region's complicated history, rich cultural diversity, and complex power dynamics. There is a fine line that journalists must walk in this region between exposing injustice and encountering opposition from public officials and organizations. This never-ending conflict makes one wonder how the media can maintain objectivity in this setting.

The media is crucial in countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan for influencing public opinion and ensuring that those in power are held responsible. Unfortunately, media neutrality has frequently been compromised due to its alignment with political ideologies and power centers. Reporters often face threats of retaliation if they do not support official narratives. This isn't just happening in one South Asian country; it's a pattern where national institutions and governments have a lot of sway over the media.

Clamping down on dissent

For example, journalists in Pakistan frequently encounter a climate where voicing dissent against the government or its policies can result in charges of being "anti-state." Reporters and editors who speak out against official policies or the military face harassment or censorship on a regular basis. This kind of behavior discourages journalists from covering sensitive topics objectively and sends a disturbing message to the media.

Meanwhile, some journalists have abused their positions to promote their own political or corporate agendas, which has further damaged public faith in the media's ability to report the news objectively.

Just as the growth of nationalism in India has stifled dissenting opinions, it has done the same in other countries. Online harassment, threats of legal action, and social exclusion are common experiences for journalists who report on sensitive topics such as religious extremism, human rights violations, or government policies. This environment hinders news organizations' ability to conduct investigations and dissuade them from presenting fair stories. The media, on the other hand, tends to side with one political party or the other, making news coverage of both sides extremely rare. 

Challenges to neutral journalism

Additionally, the challenges encountered by value-neutral journalism are illustrated by the situation in Bangladesh. The Digital Security Act and other government statutes have severely curbed press freedom. There is a high risk of detention, legal action, or even death threats for journalists who publish stories critical of government agencies or the governing party. Because of this, people are so afraid that they are repressing their opinions in order to stay alive. Despite courageous journalists who are still exposing truths, the media as a whole is fighting for objectivity in the face of increasing pressures.

Another angle on the issue is offered by Sri Lanka. Press coverage of racial and political tensions both during and after the civil war was frequently biased. Reflecting the viewpoints of their respective communities, Sinhala-majority and Tamil media outlets offered diametrically opposed narratives. This disagreement demonstrated how challenging it is to achieve value-neutral journalism in a historically and ethnically divided society. The media still struggles with being objective when covering post-war governance and reconciliation.

Economic considerations surrounding media ownership in South Asia amplify the difficulties of conducting value-neutral journalism. People and businesses with a strong desire to keep things amicable between governments and public institutions own a lot of big media outlets. Journalists are unable to objectively critique powerful entities due to their reliance on advertising, government contracts, or political patronage. This means that rather than giving the public an accurate picture, the media frequently presents a skewed account of events to suit their own agendas.

Growth of disinformation

The shift to online media has also significantly altered the landscape of South Asian journalism. The proliferation of social media and online news sources has leveled the playing field in terms of access to information, but it has also contributed to the growth of sensationalism and disinformation. Many online media outlets put political and emotionally charged stories ahead of objective news in their pursuit of views and interaction. Because of this, the boundaries between activism and journalism have become even more porous, making it more difficult for viewers to differentiate between factual reporting and narratives driven by personal opinion.

Amidst these obstacles, there are instances of journalists and organizations making efforts to remain impartial in their reporting. It is imperative that investigative journalists continue to expose institutional failures, human rights abuses, and corruption. In the fight against disinformation and for the restoration of public faith in the media, fact-checking campaigns have also become essential instruments. These initiatives show that even though value-neutral journalism is under attack in South Asian media, it is still present.

Need for media literacy

No one can deny that audiences have a significant impact on the media landscape. Media outlets are inclined to meet public demands for sensationalized or biased content, as public expectations frequently dictate journalistic practices. But increasing people's media literacy can lead to more calls for fair and unbiased reporting. Higher standards of journalism and more accountability from the media are possible outcomes of more critical audiences.

Preserving and advancing South Asian journalism that does not take sides requires a multi-pronged approach. To start, journalists and news organizations need to put money into training programs that stress the value of fair reporting and objectivity. Professional journalists must be able to resist political pressures without compromising the truth in their reporting. Second, no government or public institution can legitimately use censorship or threats of censorship to stifle free speech or the press. It is critical to have rules in place that promote responsibility without limiting people's ability to express themselves freely.

As an added bonus, initiatives that support independent media can help mitigate the impact of outlets with strong political ties. There is usually more leeway for independent platforms to report the news objectively and take on powerful entities. To further guarantee that the public is provided with accurate information, technological advancements should be utilized to encourage transparency and fact-checking.

Finally, in South Asia, value-neutral journalism is still an important but threatened ideal. There are many obstacles to impartial reporting, including demands from public institutions, audiences, and governments. There is hope for a more balanced media landscape, though, thanks to the dedication of brave journalists and the increasing demand for factual reporting. South Asia can get closer to value-neutral journalism if it tackles systemic issues and promotes a culture of responsibility and equity.

(The author is a Pakistani research analyst and writer at Modern Diplomacy and Eurasia Review, specializing in foreign affairs and global issues. Views expressed are personal. She can be contacted at nazishpensdown@gmail.com )