Media facing increasing pressure, being suppressed with threats: Dr Subhash Chandra
Chairman of the Essel Group Dr Subhash Chandra
Former Rajya Sabha MP and media baron, Dr Subhash Chandra, on Monday (June 3)held a presser on challenges and responsibilities of media freedom in India. In a candid conversation, Dr Chandra addressed the controversial instances of media suppression and highlighted the role of journalists in upholding democratic values.
Dr Chandra admitted to Zee News, WION's sister channel, having decided not to telecast objectionable parts of its interview with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as an editorial decision, which resulted in Punjab's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governmentthreatening advertising withdrawal and ultimately the channel was subjected to a blackout across the state of Punjab for over a week.
Chandra argued that had such suppression come from the central government, his reaction would have been equally firm.
In his remarks, Dr Chandra criticised the use of terms like "designer patrakar" (designer journalists), suggesting that such labels undermine the profession. He acknowledged the media's role in perpetuating its own challenges, noting, "We are responsible for lowering media freedom."
Chandra emphasised his two-fold responsibilities: one as an individual with personal beliefs and affiliations, and the other as a publisher committed to journalistic integrity. As a longtime supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a former member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he advocates for the nation-first ideology. Yet, he also recognises his duty to the public as a media proprietor.
"I have two dharmas: one as a person, I have been a RSS member and nation first is what I believe in. I am a BJP supporter," Dr Chandra said.
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Argentina firefighting helicopter crashes, killing 7 on rescue mission
)
Kangana Ranaut clarifies her 'Generation Gutter' remark: 'Gen Z of our country are taking us to such heights' - watch
)
Assam floods 2026: Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt and other Bollywood celebrities extend support to affected families
)
US Fed keeps rates unchanged, but Iran war price pressures trigger unusual split
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Netanyahu spent thousands of dollars on garden maintenance in wartime, report says | Gravitas
)
Ramayana trailer X review: Ranbir Kapoor, Yash shine in a visual spectacle fans call 'cinema at its finest'
)
Pentagon prepares 2-week Iran air plan as Trump weighs next move: Report
)
28-year-old woman PhD scholar dies of electrocution on Panjab University campus
)
Underwater lightning bolts in the Pacific Ring of Fire baffle scientists
)
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke returns to Maharashtra, receives grand welcome in hometown
)
Ramayana Part 1 trailer out! Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash lead Nitesh Tiwari’s epic saga
)
Brewery offering 'free beer' the day Trump dies has license revoked - 'Will have to pry me out of my taprooms'
)
'There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir': Indian Embassy in US calls out 'misleading' NYT headline
)
3.6mn people track 24hr Qantas flight from Melbourne to Toulouse: Pilot shifts, fuel tank and other details
)
ITR filing without Form 16? Here’s how salaried taxpayers can submit returns before July 31 deadline
)
Cat’s bizarre reaction before Japan earthquake goes viral: Did it detect the tremors?
)
After BTS' Grammys boycott, HYBE breaks silence: 'This is not a boycott at the company level'
)
DSP among 7 policemen killed as militants storm Pakistan checkpost; 8 attackers dead
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
)
North Korean colonel killed by firing squad for stealing grain as 'deeply shaken' officers watched
)
'Powerful response': US launches fresh revenge strikes on Iran after Trump vow to 'hit back hard'
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
Are you an Indian on an H-1B visa? New US bill could make getting Green Card easier
)
582 tonnes, 150 million°C, 60 years: WION Decodes the mind-boggling numbers behind China's 'Artificial Sun'
)
Claude AI down? Anthropic confirms outage as users face errors across chatbot and API
)
Explosions heard on LNG vessels at Egypt's Damietta Port; fire erupts
)
‘We're going to be hitting them very hard’: Trump vows heavy strike after US intercepts Iranian missile attack
)
Student denied admission to IIT Kanpur's cybersecurity program hacks websites to prove a point
"But I have another dharma as a publisher and where I am responsible to people," he added.
Chandra refrained from offering any advice to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on if he should hold a presser, signalling his respect for the office while maintaining his professional detachment.