Assertion (A): It is a fact that ‘the Indian press is free, but not independent’.
Reason (R): No longer the editor and this team enjoy the freedom of choice in terms of contents and opinions, a consequence of new media technology.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation.
(C) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
Assertion (A): “It is a fact that ‘the Indian press is free, but not independent’.”
This statement reflects the current state of the Indian press. Where the press enjoys legal freedom but faces constraints in terms of editorial independence due to various external pressures. Such as political influence, ownership, and financial considerations.
Reason (R): “No longer do the editor and their team enjoy the freedom of choice in terms of content and opinions, a consequence of new media technology.”
This reason explains that the freedom of the press has been compromised due to external factors such as media ownership, commercial interests, and the rise of new media technologies that often dictate editorial decisions. This change affects the independence of the press, even if the legal framework allows for freedom.
Therefore, both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why the Indian press, although legally free, is not fully independent.
