Assertion (A): The obsession of Indian print media with politics is a historical legacy.

Reason (R): Because many political leaders were associated with newspapers to advocate the cause of freedom before 1947.

(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.

(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.

(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.  

Correct Ans: (A)

Explanation:

Indian print media has always prioritized political news. This obsession dates back to the pre-independence era, when newspapers played a crucial role in the freedom movement. Many freedom fighters owned, edited, or contributed to newspapers. They used the press to mobilize public opinion and challenge British rule.

As a result, political reporting became the backbone of Indian journalism. Even after independence, this tradition continued, making politics the dominant focus of newspapers. Today, most front-page news revolves around political affairs, reinforcing this historical legacy.

At the same time, the reason provided is also correct. Many political leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Jawaharlal Nehru, were actively involved in journalism. They used newspapers to spread nationalist ideas and inform the public about British oppression. Their efforts deepened the connection between print media and politics.

Since both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason directly explains the assertion, the correct answer is (A). Indian print media’s political obsession remains deeply rooted in history, making it a lasting influence on journalism.