History of Indian Journalism: Print and Broadcast Media

Indian journalism, spanning centuries, has undergone significant transforma ons in response to the
changing socio-poli cal landscape of the na on. From the early days of English journals in the 18th century
to the rise of new media in the present day, journalism has evolved alongside India’s struggle for
independence, the challenges of post-independence democracy, and the impact of modern technology.
This essay will explore the history of Indian journalism with a focus on both print media and broadcast
media, highligh ng key periods and developments that have defined its journey.
Print Media in India
English Journals (1780-1818)
The story of print journalism in India began in the late 18th century, a period marked by Bri sh colonial
expansion. The first significant publica on in India was the Bengal Gaze e, launched by James Augustus
Hickey in 1780 in Calcu a (now Kolkata). O en called the first English-language newspaper in India, The
Bengal Gaze e was a bold publica on that cri cized Bri sh colonial policies, par cularly the ac ons of the
East India Company. Though Hickey's paper was shut down by the Bri sh in 1782 due to its cri cal stance, it
laid the groundwork for the development of journalism in India by proving that the press could be a tool of
resistance.
This period also saw the emergence of other English-language journals like The Calcu a Gaze e (1784) and
The Bombay Herald (1822), which were more conserva ve and pro-Bri sh in nature. However, these early
English-language papers played a pivotal role in establishing the format and style of print media in India.
While they were not ini ally radical, their establishment demonstrated the poten al of print to disseminate
informa on and shape public opinion.
Bengal Gaze e (1818-1857)
Following the end of Hickey's Bengal Gaze e, print media in India remained largely under the control of the
colonial government, with publica ons serving to promote Bri sh interests. However, the period from 1818
to 1857 marked the rise of newspapers that became more a uned to the growing aspira ons of educated
Indians and their desire for social and poli cal reform.
The Indian Mirror, launched by the prominent reformist journalist and intellectual Henry Louis Vivian
Derozio in 1845, symbolized the emergence of a new, more progressive class of journalism. This period also
saw the rise of prominent publica ons like The Hindu (1878), which, though launched later, was a
con nua on of the broader trajectory of print media during this me. The Hindu became an influen al
voice in South India, o en championing social reforms and na onalist sen ments.
By the 1850s, print media began to reflect the growing s rrings of Indian na onalism and the need for a
voice that could challenge Bri sh colonialism. The founda ons of modern Indian journalism were being laid
during this period, with the press becoming more asser ve and outspoken, preparing the ground for the
Indian independence movement.
Na onal Movement (1857-1947)
The period from 1857 to 1947 was a crucial me in the history of Indian print media, as it coincided with
the Indian struggle for independence from Bri sh colonial rule. The First War of Indian Independence in
1857, though not immediately leading to a free India, marked the beginning of a na onal awakening that
was reflected in the growing significance of the Indian press.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several newspapers and journals emerged as key voices in the
freedom struggle. Journalists like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Subhas
Chandra Bose used print media to promote na onalism, cri cize colonial exploita on, and demand self-rule
for India.
The Marathi-language newspaper Kesari, founded by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1881, became one of the most
influen al na onalist publica ons. Tilak used the press to cri cize Bri sh policies, advocate for Swaraj (self-
rule), and mobilize the masses against Bri sh rule. Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi's publica ons like Young
India and Harijan became crucial tools in his campaign for non-violent resistance and social reform. Young
India, in par cular, served as a pla orm for Gandhi's ideas on independence, non-violence, and social
jus ce.
The role of print media during this period was not confined to the na onalist press alone. Several
newspapers also took up the cause of social reform, highligh ng issues such as caste discrimina on,
women's rights, and the need for modern educa on. Leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who started the
Samvad Kaumudi, used the press to challenge social orthodoxies and promote ra onal thought.
Emergency and Media Censorship (1947-1990)
The period from 1947 to 1990 witnessed both the promise and the challenges faced by the Indian press in
the post-independence era. In 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency,
suspending civil liber es and imposing widespread censorship on the press. The Emergency, which lasted
un l 1977, was a dark period in Indian journalism, as many publica ons were forced to publish
government-approved content, and many editors and journalists were arrested.
Despite the government crackdown, several newspapers and journalists fought against the censorship. The
Indian Express, under the leadership of Arun Shourie, became one of the boldest voices during the
Emergency, publishing news cri cal of the government’s ac ons. The Emergency reinforced the cri cal role
of the press in a democracy, underscoring the importance of freedom of expression in holding those in
power accountable.
During the post-Emergency years, the Indian press grew rapidly. Several new publica ons were launched,
and the government ini ated media reforms aimed at strengthening the democra c fabric. The Press
Council of India was established in 1966 to safeguard the freedom of the press, and the rise of regional
newspapers helped bring diverse perspec ves into the na onal discourse.
New Media (1990-Present)
The 1990s marked a turning point in Indian journalism with the liberaliza on of the economy, which
opened the doors for private media companies. The advent of satellite television and the growing reach of
the internet fundamentally altered the media landscape in India.
The launch of private news channels such as NDTV (1998), Aaj Tak (2000), and CNN-IBN (2005)
revolu onized news consump on in India, as 24-hour news became the norm. The format of broadcast
journalism became more fast-paced, with a focus on live repor ng, breaking news, and sensa onal
coverage of events. The 1990s also saw the rise of regional language newspapers and television channels,
which further diversified the media space.
The rise of digital media in the 2000s and 2010s introduced new challenges and opportuni es for
journalism in India. Online news portals, social media pla orms like Twi er and Facebook, and ci zen
journalism have all contributed to the democra za on of informa on. However, the growth of new media
has also led to concerns regarding misinforma on, sensa onalism, and the blurring of lines between news
and entertainment.
Broadcast Media: Radio and Television
Radio (1936-Present)

Radio broadcas ng in India began in 1936 with the establishment of All India Radio (AIR) in Delhi. Ini ally,
AIR was a government-controlled en ty that primarily focused on cultural programming, news, and
educa onal content. Radio became a cri cal medium for the Indian government to reach a vast and diverse
popula on, especially in rural areas where print media had limited penetra on.
During the freedom struggle, radio played a vital role in spreading na onalist ideas. A er independence,
AIR con nued to be the dominant broadcaster in the country, with programs like Vividh Bhara gaining
immense popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. Radio also served as a pla orm for addressing na onal issues
and promo ng government policies.
The liberaliza on of the media in the 1990s, however, introduced compe on for AIR. Private radio sta ons
began emerging in the early 2000s, offering entertainment, music, and news in regional languages. Radio
has since become an important medium for grassroots communica on, especially with the rise of
community radio sta ons.
Television (1959-Present)
Television came to India in 1959, with the first experimental broadcasts in Delhi. The establishment of
Doordarshan (DD) in 1959 marked the beginning of state-controlled television broadcas ng in India.
Ini ally, television was a tool for educa onal and cultural programming. The na onal network grew slowly
in the 1960s and 1970s, with television content focused on government-driven ini a ves like public service
announcements and educa onal programming.
The 1990s saw a drama c shi with the liberaliza on of the media. The entry of private television networks
like Zee TV (1992), Star TV (1991), and others brought new programming formats, including 24-hour news
channels, reality TV shows, and entertainment content. The rise of satellite television expanded the reach
of television journalism, making it a cri cal source of news and informa on.
Television journalism in India has played a central role in covering key na onal events, such as the Kargil
War (1999), the Gujarat riots (2002), and the 26/11 Mumbai a acks (2008). Channels like NDTV, Times
Now, Aaj Tak, and CNN-IBN became household names, transforming the way news was consumed.
However, television journalism in India also faces challenges such as sensa onalism, the commercializa on
of news, and concerns over editorial independence. Despite these challenges, television remains a
dominant force in shaping public opinion.
Conclusion
The history of Indian journalism, both in print and broadcast media, reflects the country’s poli cal, social,
and cultural evolu on. From the early English-language journals in the 18th century to the rise of new
media in the 21st century, journalism has adapted to the changing mes and con nues to play a crucial role
in shaping public discourse. The press in India has not only contributed to the country’s democra c journey
but also to its social reforms and na onal integra on. As India moves into the digital age, the challenges
and opportuni es faced by journalism will con nue to evolve, but its role in informing, educa ng, and
entertaining will remain indispensable to the fabric of Indian democracy.
 History of Indian Journalism: Print and Broadcast Media

Indian journalism has evolved significantly from its nascent stages in the 18th century to the present day,
reflec ng the socio-poli cal shi s, cultural transforma ons, and technological advancements over the
centuries. The development of Indian journalism can be divided into dis nct phases, each characterized by
significant milestones and challenges. This essay delves into the history of Indian journalism, covering both
print and broadcast media. It includes a detailed explora on of the early introduc on of the prin ng press
in India, the role of journalism during the na onal movement, the legal challenges related to press laws,
the Emergency period, and the rise of new media. Addi onally, the development of radio and television as
crucial forms of communica on is also discussed.
Print Media in India
The First Prin ng Press in India
The history of print media in India can be traced back to the arrival of the first prin ng press in Goa in 1556,
introduced by the Portuguese missionaries. However, it wasn’t un l the 18th century that print journalism,
as we know it today, began to take shape in India. The prin ng press, ini ally used for religious texts,
eventually became an important tool for dissemina ng ideas and opinions. By the late 17th century, the
Bri sh East India Company set up the first prin ng press in Madras (now Chennai), marking the beginning
of modern print media in India.
English Journals (1780-1818)
The late 18th century saw the advent of English-language newspapers in India. The first significant journal
in India was The Bengal Gaze e (1780), founded by James Augustus Hickey in Calcu a (now Kolkata).
Hickey’s publica on is notable for its bold cri cism of the Bri sh East India Company, the colonial
administra on, and its support for the rights of the Indian people. Hickey’s irreverent tone and fearless
a acks on the Bri sh government led to the eventual shutdown of The Bengal Gaze e in 1782, but it set a
precedent for the growing power of the press in India.
This period also saw the establishment of other English newspapers, such as The Calcu a Gaze e (1784)
and The Bombay Herald (1822), which mostly supported Bri sh colonial interests. However, The Bengal
Gaze e and other early journals began to open up spaces for future journalis c independence, especially
as the demand for educa on and awareness among the Indian elite grew.
Bengal Gaze e and Other Early Publica ons (1818-1857)
Following the demise of The Bengal Gaze e, the early 19th century witnessed the emergence of several
newspapers focused on both social reforms and the promo on of Indian rights. The period between 1818
and 1857 laid the founda on for the na onalist press. Newspapers like The Indian Mirror (1845), founded
by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, started to ques on colonial prac ces and call for reforms in Indian society.
Derozio, through his paper, encouraged the youth to take up intellectual and cultural awakening,
challenging the established norms of Bri sh rule.
Other significant papers, such as The Hindu (1878) and Amrita Bazar Patrika (1868), were instrumental in
promo ng na onalis c and reformist ideas. These publica ons began to focus on social issues like caste
discrimina on, women’s rights, and the importance of educa on, reflec ng the wider social reform
movements in India. As the Indian middle class grew and became poli cally aware, the press started taking
a more cri cal stance against Bri sh rule.
The Na onal Movement (1857-1947)
The period from 1857 to 1947 is one of the most cri cal phases in the history of Indian journalism. It
coincided with the rise of the Indian independence movement, and the press played an instrumental role in
mobilizing people and shaping public opinion. Following the failure of the First War of Indian Independence
in 1857, the press became a central medium for poli cal ac vism and na onalist discourse.
During this period, several prominent na onalist leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal,
and Lala Lajpat Rai used the press to disseminate their messages of self-rule and an -colonial resistance.
Tilak’s Kesari (1881), a Marathi-language daily, became one of the most influen al newspapers in
promo ng na onalist sen ments. His wri ngs encouraged Indians to take pride in their culture and
demand greater poli cal freedom from the Bri sh.
The role of Mahatma Gandhi’s publica ons, par cularly Young India (1919), was also paramount. Through
this journal, Gandhi propagated his ideas of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha), civil disobedience, and
Swadeshi (self-reliance), which resonated deeply with the masses. Gandhi’s ideas helped mobilize millions
of Indians to join the independence struggle.
The press also served as a pla orm for social reform, with key publica ons advoca ng for the aboli on of
prac ces like Sa , child marriage, and untouchability. The contribu ons of Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar
Chandra Vidyasagar were pivotal in using print media to foster social change, alongside the na onalist
movements.
Legal Challenges: Press Laws in Colonial India
As the press gained strength, it came under a ack from the colonial government, which sought to suppress
dissent and control the flow of informa on. The Bri sh introduced several restric ve laws, with the most
notorious being the Vernacular Press Act of 1878. This law targeted newspapers published in Indian
languages and aimed to curb the influence of the na onalist press. The Act required Indian-language
newspapers to submit their content to government censors, limi ng free expression.
The Official Secrets Act (1923) and other similar laws also criminalized the dissemina on of government-
related informa on. These laws were used to prevent journalists from publishing cri cal content about the
Bri sh government and its policies. Despite these challenges, Indian journalists found ways to bypass
censorship and con nue their work, o en at great personal risk.
The Emergency Period (1947-1990)
The Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975 marked a dark chapter in the history of
Indian journalism. From 1975 to 1977, the government curtailed press freedoms by imposing strict
censorship on all forms of media. Newspapers were forced to publish government-approved content, and
many journalists were arrested for their cri cal stance against the government. This period saw the
complete erosion of press freedom, with independent journalism severely suppressed.
Despite these challenges, some newspapers and journalists con nued to resist. The Indian Express under
Arun Shourie and other prominent newspapers took a stand against the government’s overreach and
censorship. The press remained an important instrument for defending democracy, even under oppressive
circumstances.
The end of the Emergency in 1977 led to a brief period of media liberaliza on, but the press con nued to
face challenges, including poli cal interference and the rise of commercial pressures. However, the 1980s
and early 1990s saw significant developments in broadcast media, with the arrival of television as an
influen al medium.
New Media (1990-Present)
The 1990s marked the beginning of a new era for Indian journalism, driven by technological advancements
and the liberaliza on of the Indian economy. The 1991 economic reforms opened the door to private
investment in the media sector. The liberaliza on led to the emergence of private television channels,
which radically transformed news broadcas ng in India.
The first 24-hour news channel, Zee News (1992), was followed by NDTV (1998), Aaj Tak (2000), and several
other news channels that revolu onized news consump on in India. The introduc on of satellite television
allowed news to be broadcast live, and the rapid growth of cable TV made news more accessible to the
masses. This period saw a shi towards more sensa onalist and market-driven journalism, with the focus
on TRPs (television ra ng points) and 24/7 news cycles.
The advent of the internet in the late 1990s further transformed Indian journalism. Online news portals like
Times of India, NDTV.com, and Hindustan Times became major players in news dissemina on, o en
breaking stories faster than tradi onal print or television media. The prolifera on of social media pla orms
like Facebook, Twi er, and YouTube has democra zed news distribu on, giving ordinary ci zens a voice in
the public sphere. Ci zen journalism emerged as a significant trend, with individuals using social media to
report on issues and events.
However, the rise of digital media has also brought new challenges, including the spread of misinforma on,
fake news, and the erosion of journalis c integrity. The role of social media in shaping public opinion, while
empowering ci zens, has led to concerns about the accuracy of informa on and the rise of echo chambers.
Broadcast Media: Radio and Television
Radio: The Early Years (1936-Present)
Radio broadcas ng in India began with the establishment of All India Radio (AIR) in 1936. AIR ini ally
focused on educa on, culture, and entertainment, but during the independence movement, it became an
essen al tool for spreading na onalist messages. Radio was a powerful medium for connec ng the masses,
especially in rural areas, with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose
using it to communicate directly with the public.
Post-independence, AIR played a significant role in na onal integra on, broadcas ng news and cultural
programs to a diverse audience. In the 1990s, with the advent of private FM sta ons, radio underwent a
transforma on, offering commercial music, talk shows, and news, and becoming a more interac ve
pla orm for audiences.
Television: From State-Controlled to Private (1959-Present)
Television was introduced in India in 1959 with the launch of Doordarshan (DD), the state-run broadcaster.
Ini ally, television served educa onal and cultural purposes, with limited programming and reach.
However, during the 1980s, television became more mainstream, with programs like The World This Week
and Surabhi a rac ng large audiences.
The 1990s saw the liberaliza on of Indian media, with private television channels like Zee TV (1992), Star
TV (1991), and MTV India (1996) offering a wide range of entertainment and news programming. The rise
of 24-hour news channels such as NDTV (1998) and Aaj Tak (2000) changed the way Indians consumed
news, with live coverage of major events like the Kargil War (1999) and the 26/11 Mumbai a acks (2008).
Television journalism in India has played a significant role in informing the public and shaping poli cal
discourse. The medium con nues to evolve, with the advent of digital pla orms and on-demand streaming
services providing viewers with more choices than ever before.
Conclusion
The history of Indian journalism, from its early days with the first prin ng press to the rise of new media
and digital pla orms, reflects the dynamic socio-poli cal landscape of the country. Journalism in India has
served as a powerful tool for social reform, poli cal mobiliza on, and the struggle for independence.
Despite facing legal restric ons, poli cal censorship, and the commercializa on of media, Indian journalism
con nues to thrive, adap ng to new technologies and challenges. As India moves further into the digital
age, the role of journalism in shaping public opinion and holding power accountable remains as crucial as
ever.