Independent Journalism Combating Hate Speech (2024) - PDF

Journal of Communication and Management, 2024;3(4):341-350 Journal of Communication and Management ISSN: 2583-617X (Online)...

Journal of Communication and Management, 2024;3(4):341-350 Journal of Communication and Management ISSN: 2583-617X (Online) Journal home page: https://jcoma.com Research Article DOI: 10.58966/JCM2024347 Independent Journalism in the Digital Era: Combating Hate Speech for a Peaceful Society Richard Pinto, Abhirup Bhadra* MA-Mass Communication and Journalism, XIM University, Bhubaneswar, India. ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article history: Digital disruptions toward the promotion of peace in society have never been witnessed before: hate Received: 12 September, 2024 speech, disinformation, and polarized narratives are all on the rise on social media. This paper explores this complex interplay between these digital disruptions and societal cohesion. Independent journalism, Revised: 06 October, 2024 in particular, performs an important role in serving the purpose of promoting peace; hate speech breeds Accepted: 20 October, 2024 hostility; and disinformation muddies perceptions, making mistrust, social fragmentation, and even Published: 23 December, 2024 escalations in conflict their eventual byproducts. Independent journalism is therefore committed to fact- Keywords: based reporting and neutral narration as the only weapons against such disconnections. This study explores Journalism, Peaceful, Society. independent journalism as an intermediary and agent of mitigation in curbing such social damage caused by the effects of digital disinformation and hate speech. Through successful case studies and a critical review of methodologies in counter-narrative journalism, the paper underscores what truth-driven media may serve: the development of dialogue, empathy, and peace-building in digitally mediated societies. The very conclusion here highlights the importance of independent journalism as crucial in rebuilding public trust to develop a digitally literate society in information streams it creates toward peace-oriented results. Introduction posts (Laub, Z. 2019). This link between online hate and Today’s ubiquitous information infrastructure, the real-world violence is well-documented, as evidenced Internet was the first iteration of what is commonly by the Anti- Defamation League’s (ADL) report in 2021, referred to as the National (or Global or Galactic) which revealed that most extremist-related murders in Information Infrastructure. Its history is intricate and the United States in 2020 were tied to online platforms. encompasses a wide range of organizational, technological, The consequences of these dynamics extend far beyond the and social factors. Additionally, as society moves towards digital realm, posing a direct threat topublic safety, social using online technologies more frequently for electronic cohesion, and the principles of democracy. The virtual commerce, information gathering, and communit y world, once envisionedas a space for dialogue and progress, operations, its influence extends beyond the technical has transformed into a battleground for ideologies and domains of computer communications (Barry M. Leiner, a breeding ground for extremism. Addressing this issue 2009). is not merely a matter of technological regulation but is The connection between online hate and violence vital for the preservation of democratic values and the has gained significant attention in recent years, with well-being of communities worldwide. As we progress in numerous incidents worldwide highlighting the dangerous this digital age, the need for properregulations to mitigate consequences of online hatred, from extremist-driven online hate and its consequences becomes increasingly mass shootings to hate crimes incited by social media apparent. Policymakers, technology companies, and *Corresponding Author: Abhirup Bhadra Address: MA-Mass Communication and Journalism, XIM University, Bhubaneswar, India. Email : [email protected] Relevant conflicts of interest/financial disclosures: The authors declare no conflict of interest with regards to this research, authorship and publishing in this journal. The authors declares that this research is completely self-funded. © 2024, Richard Pinto, This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‑NonCommercial‑ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non‑commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.  Richard Pinto and Abhirup Bhadra civil society organizations must collaborate to develop Xenophobia or Islamophobia- A by product of and implement effective strategies to combat online hate, social media? disinformation, and misinformation. This research aims to According to the research on Aggression and violent shed light on the interplay of these factors and propose behavior, there has been different types of online hate actionable solutions to peaceful coexistence in the digital mentioned like Online religious hate speech, it is the world. use of inflammatory and sectarian language to promote Social Media, its uses and Challenges hatred and violence against people on the basis of religious affiliation through the cyberspace (Albadi, Kurdi, & Mishra, Social media has become an integral part of everyday 2018; Raileanu, 2016)36, and the most attacked religion in life for individuals and organizations worldwide, and the world is Islam, motivated by islamophobia sentiments, India is no exception. The increase in the availability of favored by the cultural processes of globalization and affordable smartphones and data plans has given rise to digital media circulation (Horsti, 2017). The online racism, the usage of social media in India (Khan (2017). Studies this is amplified within the social media environments. have shown that India is home to many social media users, The anonymity and the greater accessibility of the internet with platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and has given an excellent platform for online racist attitudes. Twitter being widely used (Banaji, 2019). The country’s (Chaudhry & Gruzd,2020). Gendered online hate, has been youth, in particular, has embraced social media for various in rapid increase in online hate speech target on the basis purposes, from staying connected with friends and family of gender and sexual orientation (Dragiewicz et al. 2018). to accessing news and information (Dey, 2018). These According to the ‘Italian Hate Map project’, women were applications help in providing accurate information to the most insulted group having received 60.4% hateful citizens, engaging with the public, sharing updates on Tweets and followed by gay and lesbian persons (10.3%) government activities, and soliciting feedback from the (KhosraviNik & Esposito, 2018). Another important public (Srinivasan, 2020). Social media has been employed category is Terrorism as an online hate trigger. Terrorism to disseminate important government announcements, events have been frequently related to observable crisis updates, and public health information, as seen public social media reactions. Example like #StopIslam during the COVID-19 pandemic (Government of India, hashtags was used to spread racialized hate speech and 2020). It enables citizens to express their opinions and disinformation towards Islam and Muslims after the 2016 offers the government an avenue for gathering feedback, March terrorist attacks in Brussels (Poole et al. 2019; enhancing its decision-making processes (Thakur, 2016). Urnaiz, 2016). Additionally, social media has facilitated government- The resulting behavior can be seen as deviant citizen interactions and engagement in policy formulation communication, as it may contravene widely accepted (Pant & Baruah, 2018). cultural standards, rules, or norms of social interaction The use of social media by the Government of India within group contexts. (Watanable et al.2018). also comes with its set of challenges and considerations like issues related to content creation, approval processes, The Risk of Human Polarizations in Digital Sphere- and response mechanisms for comments and feedback A Global Perspective (Sharma, 2017). government must also be prepared for Online hate speech has caused huge damage for crisis management and comply with legal and regulatory individuals and society, there has been psychological principles when using these platforms (Thakur, 2016). harm, social exclusion, discrimination, hostility and violence (Gagliardone et al. 2015). Cyberbullying, trolling, Parallelism between digital infrastructure growth revenge pornography, image-based abuse and hate crimes and digital violence are rapidly on the verge of rise. Incidents like the recent Online platforms or cyberspace offers freedom of white supremacist attacks in US circulated among racist communication and opinion expressions. However, today communities online to publicize their acts, 2018 Pittsburgh social media platforms are regularly being misused to synagogue shooter was a participant in the SM network spread violence messages, comments and hate speeches gab (Kevin Roose, 2018), 2019 New Zealand Mosque towards a person or a group on the basis of race, color, shooting broadcasted the attack on YouTube. Online hate ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religion has disrupted peace and harmony, brought more divisions or political affiliation (Zhang & Luo, 2018). This has in the society. It is said YouTube may be one of the most linked to a global increase in violence towards minorities, powerful radicalizing instruments of the 21st century includes mass shootings, lynchings and more preferably (Zeynep Tufekci). ethnic cleansing (Zachary Laub, 2019). There have been 80% of people in European Union (EU) encountered hate Hate Speech in Digital Sphere- A Political Warzone speech online and 40% have felt attackedor threatened via Social media platforms, particularly Twitter, have Social Network sites (Gagliardone, Gal, Alves & Martinez, been frequently used to promote hate speech in recent 2015). years. Hate speech is any language that disparages an 342 Journal of Communication and Management, October-December, 2024, Vol 3, Issue 4, 341-350  Independent Journalism in the Digital Era: Combating Hate Speech for a Peaceful Society individual or group of individuals because they belong for grievance in regards to complaints presented by users to a particular group that is typically identified by their (Chatterjee, 2022). Apart from these, the Indian legal ethnic background, sexual preference, gender identity, or system has sections 153A and 295A in the Indian Penal handicap, faith, political ideas, or association. (Kohatsu Code that prohibit hate speech which provokes enmity or Sánchez,Federico Liberatore Collados, 2019). A study hurts religious sentiments (Chaudhary & Sharma, 2021). named “Coronavirus, Fear, and How Islamophobia Spreads Also, the government is taking initiatives that include on Social Media” was created by Awan and Khan-Williams partnerships with the social media companies to put in 2020. The writers of this paper examined Twitter, and up policies that are clear and speedy responses when demonstrated the development of anti-Muslim hatred. hate speech is involved. However, critics argue that such Similar to this, Soundararajan (2020) offered a thorough policies sometimes threaten freedom of speech because examination of how the COVID-19 epidemic hashtag they allow too much control by authorities (Kumar, 2023). “#Coronajihad” was used to incite Islamophobic hatred Thus, the challenge remains to ensure online safety while on In India, there are several social media sites, which preserving democratic freedoms. also contributed to assault against Muslims. Aguilera- Carnerero and Azeez (2016) collected and studied tweets New Media- A Potential Tool for Peace Building containing the hashtag “#jihad” utilizing corpus linguistic Social networking sites have become integral to the and critical discourse analysis techniques. Their research daily lives of people worldwide, especially in the era of showed that communication on social media intensifies information and communications technology (Srivastava preconceptions and becomes more overt in promoting (2013). In an age where communication is central to negative stereotypes of Muslims. Given that public officials building positive relationships between organizations interact using sites like Twitter, Islamophobia there is and their public, various communication tools are really troubling. For “political talk” in general as well as employed to disseminate information and engage citizens with the general public (Jungherr, 2016). (Tworzydlo, 2016). Today, social media has evolved into a robust and influential channel in this context, Curbing Online hate and Violence-A Government’s contributing significantly to peace-building efforts. Social Policy Perspective media platforms have transformed how organizations Media plays a divisible role in spreading ideologies, and governments interact with their public. Graham religious fallacy and malicious paraphernalia during (2014) emphasizes that SM enables real-time connections sensitive times. According to Article 19 of Human Rights with citizens, making it a vital tool for disseminating considers various grounds for discriminatory hate need crucial information to a global audience. This dynamic to be tackled and UN Human Rights committee also engagement fosters collaboration and inclusivity, essential addressed to the Internet and mobile technologies and components of peace-building. Khan (2017), Noordijk recommended the states to foster the independence and (2014), and Ismail (2019). Social media’s impact on peace- easy access to the individuals (M. O’Flaherty, 2012). In building is not one-sided. It can both be a valuable asset India judicial bodies and court systemboth function on the and a potential threat (Hauer (2017). This duality has been basis of information and inputs received from the majority collectively explored. On the positive side, social media of people and theirelected representatives. The circulation can promote tolerance and peace by providing accurate and printing of hate contents are absolutely banned in India information, empowering citizens, encouraging them to under different laws. It is essential to identify the contents protest against violence, aiding governments in being and characters to protect the nation’s wealth and image more accountable, coordinating relief efforts, and fostering as a secular body (A. Jakubowicz et al. 2017). There has cross-border understanding and reconciliation (Larrauri been a recent emerging trend on fandom, following the (2015). On the contrary, when users share unverified influencer blindly. Many of the representatives elected content on social media platforms, it can disseminate by people cease to adhere to the parliamentary behavior misleading information, (Rohwerder (2015), hindering towards the countermen and these MPs, MLAs, Ministers peace efforts and even promoting extremism and violent involve in hate speech and spread of violence, and the fans agendas (Sileshie (2014). This widespread use of social of these representatives follow the similar behavior (Amita media platforms extends their potential impact on peace- Charan & Jitendra Kumar Verma, 2020). building efforts(Khan (2017). The rules held social media companies liable for actively identifying and deleting harmful content including Conceptualizing Peace and Peace Building hate speech on their website (Ministry of Electronics As Tesfaye (2014)58 points out, peace encompasses more and Information Technology, 2021). The platforms will than the mere absence of war; it entails living a safe, secure, introduce automated tools that help curb such form of healthy, and prosperous life. The concept to include the harm, for example, hate speech and misinformation. In absence of war and the presence of justice, law, access to addition, the government has increased accountability necessities, and human rights (Galtung (1969). Based on by imposing the need to appoint an officer responsible this expanded definition, Galtung introduced two types Journal of Communication and Management, October-December, 2024, Vol 3, Issue 4, 341-350 343  Richard Pinto and Abhirup Bhadra of peace: negative peace, signifying the absence of direct society by preventing the spread of misinformation physical violence, and positive peace, indicating the and propaganda (Mellon, 2009). Access to truthful and absence of both direct and indirect violence, accompanied independent information empowers civil society and by justice for all (Williams, 2008). Conf lict, arises can lead to pressure for accountability, a cornerstone from human interactions and is not limited to war and of peacebuilding efforts (Brunetti and Weder ,2003). violence (Zvaita, 2016). Conflict can manifest on various Peace journalism encourages journalists to highlight psychological, sociological, and political dimensions. initiatives, dialogues, and peacemaking efforts, providing Political conflicts can range from inter-ethnic and intra- an alternative narrative to facilitate reconciliation and state conflicts to international conflicts (Julius et al., 2015). peacebuilding in conflict zones (Lynch and McGoldrick, Furthermore, conflicts may result from the interplay of 2000). Understanding the influence of media ownership is political, economic, social, and environmental factors essential in assessing the potential impact of independent (Folarin, 2014). There are three categories of violence: journalism on peacebuilding (McChesney,1999). While this direct violence, characterized by actionsdiminishing one’s presents new opportunities for independent voices, it also capacity, such as killing or harming; structural violence, raises concerns about misinformation and polarization, which occurs systematically by hindering equal access highlighting the importance of media literacy and to opportunities and basic human needs; and cultural discernment in the digital age (Chadwick, 2017). violence, prevailing through harmful social norms accepted by society (Galtung & Fischer,2013). Theoretical Framework Peace-building is a process aimed at promoting Narrative Framing Theory- Narrative framing theory is a nonviolence, equity, justice, and human rights (Oatley, concept that focuses on how the way a story is presented 2011). It seeks to address the root causes of conflicts, can shape and influence the audience’s perception and reconcile differences, normalize relations, and establish interpretation. The main proponents of this theory is institutions capable of managing conf licts without Johannes C. P Schmid and Gregory Bateson. This theory violence (Reychler, 2010). Peace-building efforts may can be a powerful lens through which to analyze and begin before conflict arises, continue during conflict, and interpret the dynamics of online hate, misinformation, extend into the post-conflict phase (UNEP, 2009). These societal consequences, and the role of journalism in efforts encompass a wide range of activities to prepare fostering peace in the digital realm. By using the narrative communities for life after conflict and support lasting framing theory, the research topic can provide a nuanced peace and reconciliation (Zvaita, 2016). understanding of the storytelling elements inherent in Communication is pivotal in peace-building, serving online hate and misinformation and the role of journalism as a medium to promote nonviolence, understanding, inshaping narratives that contribute to or counteract these and conflict resolution. However, how messages are challenges. This approach can enhance thedepth of analysis disseminated can contribute to peace or conf lict. and contribute valuable insights to the broader discourse Utilized appropriately, communication, mainly through on promoting peacefulcoexistence online. social media and new communication tools, can be a Agenda-Setting Theory- According to the agenda- powerful force for peace-building by providing up-to-date setting theory of McCombs and Shaw in 1972, what the information, facilitating dialogue, and reducing tensions public perceives to be important is actually constructed (Mutero, 2011; Hoffmann, 2014). by the media, for it chooses which issues are covered. Independent journalism during the digital age can The Nexus of Journalism and Peace Building therefore use agenda-setting to prioritize the content Independent media outlets are known for their potential to that promotes peace while revealing the social impact contribute to peacebuilding through objective reporting, of hate speech and misinformation through the agenda- empowering communities with information, promoting setting approach. In this way, independent media can dialogue, and fostering accountability, (Severin and draw attention to challenges and consequences that will Tankard, 2009). Independent media acts as a sentinel, increase public concern regarding societal harmony shedding light on potential conflicts and facilitating a (Weaver, 2007). proactive response from the international community Spiral of Silence-According to Noelle-Neumann’s spiral and local stakeholders, Lynch (2008). By highlighting the of silence theory, which was published in 1974, people may human consequences of conflicts, independent journalism choose not to voice their thoughts if they fear that others can generate public awareness and support for initiatives may disagree with them. Peace-focused voices are muted aimed at resolving conflicts and buildingpeace (Spear and in virtual settings where hostile and polarising narratives Lee (2014). The independent journalism can be a powerful dominate (Noelle-Neumann, 1974). By amplifying pro- tool in educating citizens on media literacy, equipping them peace tales, independent journalism can counter this and with the skills to critically evaluate information. Media encourage people to end the cycle of isolation surrounding literacy is an essential component of fostering a peaceful peace activism (Hayes et al., 2006). 344 Journal of Communication and Management, October-December, 2024, Vol 3, Issue 4, 341-350  Independent Journalism in the Digital Era: Combating Hate Speech for a Peaceful Society Research Methodology intervention strategies. Concurrently, it is imperative to assess the efficacy of current strategies and policies The researcher used qualitative approach for this paper. to mitigate the scourge of cyber hate, a rampant issue The analysis of the data is done in three parts. in the digital landscape. This scrutiny will provide Textual Analysis valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses Focus on analysing written texts, articles, and reports of existing measures deployed by governments, social produced by journalists. Identify key themes, language media platforms, and online communities. Furthermore, patterns, and framing strategies used in conveying a deeper exploration of how cyberhate impacts diverse information related to online hate andmisinformation. demographic groups, encompassing youth, elderly, different genders, and individuals from variedcultural and Case Study religious backgrounds, is essential. In the contemporary There will be in depth exploration of the YouTube era, where online platforms serve as channels for channels of the Independent Journalists, blog posts, information dissemination, a critical examination is social media platforms will be analysed to identify the necessary to understand the coexistence of peace and the use of information to disseminate the message on the challenges posedby hate speech, fake news, disinformation, various issues. Thorough study will be done on the use of and misinformation. This research explores how online language, images, symbols ad signs used to disseminate spaces can be harnessed responsibly to foster community the information. building, societal cohesion, and national progress. This study aims to delve into the intricate dynamics between Discourse Analysis the dissemination of accurate information, the societal Examine the broader discursive context, considering how consequences of misinformation, and the pivotal role language constructs social reality. Analyse the linguistic of independent journalism in steering public discourse elements, power relations, and ideologies embedded in toward constructive narratives. By elucidating the journalistic discourse on the selected issues. multifaceted connections between online communication, From the population which included journalists, journalistic practices, and their impact on societal well- media organizations, and news outlets actively engaged being, this research provides insights into practical in repor ting on issues related to online hate and strategies for utilizingdigital platforms as instruments of misinformation in India the researcher employed awareness and justice and constructing a more equitable purposive sampling to select media outlets known for their and informed society. commitment to authentic reporting. Snowball sampling Research Objectives is used to identify the students in journalism and media studies. Choosing journalists covering a diverse range of To examine the spread and impact of misinformation issues related to online hate and misinformation. in online spaces, assessing how it contributes to The data collection is done through the secondary the propagation of hate and its influence on public sources from the YouTube channels of independent perception. journalists, interviews were conducted of the students’ To explore the role of independent journalists and journalists to identify the perspective towards independent news channels in India in countering online hate and misinformation, identifying their strategies journalist and was analyzed using and impact on promoting informed and just online Textual Analysis communities. Qualitative methods to analyze textual data, identifying To assess the effectiveness of current regulatory and patterns, themes, and linguistic features. countermeasure initiatives aimed at mitigating online hate and misinformation, both in India and globally. Discourse Analysis To identify and propose potential solutions and Analyzing discursive elements using thematic coding, strategies to foster peaceful coexistence in the digital identifying underlying ideologies and power relations. world, considering the role of education, media Interpret findings in the context of broader discursive literacy, and online platforms. trends in journalism. To develop recommendations for policymakers, internet platforms, and civil society organizations Research Gap to address the complex issues of online hate and In the realm of cybersecurity and online safety, a pressing misinformation, while safeguarding freedom of need exists to comprehensively examine the motivations expression and protecting democratic values. and psychological mechanisms that drive individuals to engage in cybercrime. By understanding the root causes Data Analysis, Interpretation and Findings and cognitive processes behind these illicit activities, we The independent journalism and the journalists are a can lay the foundation for more effective preventive and powerful and most effective tool to counter online hate Journal of Communication and Management, October-December, 2024, Vol 3, Issue 4, 341-350 345  Richard Pinto and Abhirup Bhadra and misinformation, and foster informed and just online environmental consciousness. Environmental degradation and offline communities to bring peace in the society. can be a source of conflict, and Dutt’s efforts to raise awareness align to promote a sustainable and peaceful Barkha Dutt’s brave Independent Journalism coexistence. Her trailblazing reporting during the Kargil Barkha Dutt, the fearless and independent journalist, has War in 1999 and subsequent reports on conflicts and wars contributed substantially to promoting peace through her demonstrate her commitment to accurate and impactful insightful and informative reporting. Her videos, hosted journalism. By presenting a comprehensive view of various on the Mojo channel with over 1.31 million subscribers issues and advocating for independent journalism in a and 16,000 videos, cover diverse topics, demonstrating a climate where journalists are increasingly vulnerable, commitment to social issues and a fearless pursuit of truth. Barkha Dutt contributes to creating an informed and One noteworthy aspect of Dutt’s work is her coverage of engaged society—foundational elements for fostering sensitive issues, such as the reunion of a9-year-old girl with peace in the world. her father after an alleged murder by Hamas terrorists. By providing in-depth and informative content, Dutt fosters Karan Thapar’s Advocacy of Peace understanding and empathy, contributing to a broader Karan Thapar, a prominent Indian journalist, has sense of compassion and potential conflict resolution. consistently advocated for peace, justice, and democracy Her dedication to social issues is evident in reports on through his independent journalism. His well-known self-rule in Manipur and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders show, The Devil’s Advocate, andthe eponymous book have Forum’s declaration of setting up a governing body if their become synonymous with fearless reporting and insightful demands are unmet. Dutt contributes to social harmony analysis. and understanding by giving voice to marginalized One of Thapar’s notable contributions is his dedication communities, essential elements for maintaining peace to raising awareness and educating the public on a diverse within a diverse society. Barkha Dutt’s analysis of political range of issues, both national and international. His warfare in India adds another layer to her peace-promoting extensive coverage includes the Kashmir conflict, Indo- journalism. Understanding the complexities of political Pak relations, Indian democracy, media ethics, and the dynamics is crucial for fostering stability and informed role ofcivil society. Through his books and articles, he has public discourse. Her balanced reporting, as seen in her provided clear and detailed information on these topics, podcast with top bureaucratAnil Swarup, provides viewers fostering a better understanding among his audience. His with nuanced insights into the present government and the recent reporting on the relationship between Israeli Prime previousUPA government based on facts, contributing to a Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden more comprehensive understanding of politicalscenarios. exemplifies his commitment to providing well-researched In addressing contemporary challenges, Dutt explores and informative analyses of global affairs. The coverage of topics like deepfake and information integrity, raising the Israel-Hamas conflict underscores his focus on moral awareness about potential threats to peace arising from questions and the impact on vulnerable populations. misinformation. Informed societies are better equipped Thapar’s reporting extends beyond geopolitical issues to to navigate complex issues without succumbing to encompass the world of sports. His recent report on the manipulation, fostering a more peaceful and resilient World Cup Cricket emphasized the importance of being public sphere. Furthermore, Dut t’s environmental good players is also to be good losers, demonstrating reporting, such as the coverage of stubble burning and the broader lessons and values that can be derived from its impact on daily lives and air quality, reflects a broader sportsmanship. His consistent theme is empathy for Figure 2: It is the word cloud gathered from different articles, Figure 1: It shows the word cloud of textual and discourse analysis interviews of Karan Thapar with some of the great personalities 346 Journal of Communication and Management, October-December, 2024, Vol 3, Issue 4, 341-350  Independent Journalism in the Digital Era: Combating Hate Speech for a Peaceful Society victims and survivors of violence and oppression. He has highlighted human rights violations and injustices, contributing to a broader understanding of social issues. His participation in various forums and platforms aimed at fostering community peace and harmony reflects his commitment to building a just society. The journalist’s emphasis on India-Pakistan peace initiatives and the voice of the global south adds depth to his reporting. Thapar’s detailed analysis of Indo-U.S. relations further showcases his dedication to exploring complex international dynamics. Throughout his career, Thapar has stressed the importance of pluralism, human rights, saving the Constitution, and secularism. In his videos, he promotes a culture of debate and discussion, fearlessly asking tough and probing questions during interviews. This commitment to independent journalism has contributed Figure 3: It is the word cloud of detailed analysis of the interview of significantly to building a more informed and just society. Karan with Prof. Khaitan An Overwhelming Interview of Karan Thapar with lack of magnanimity in the opposition party, presenting Prof Tarunabh Khaitan a significant challenge to checks and balances within In a compelling interview by Karan Thapar, Professor the democratic framework. Khaitan critiques the flaws Tarunabh Khaitan sheds light on the relevance of the ruling in the Constitution, particularly the concentration of party, the Modi government, emphasizing the nuanced power in centrally appointed governors and the absence dynamics shaping India’s democratic landscape. The of a constitutional office for the opposition leader. He central theme revolves around the notion of “Killing the contends that these shortcomings, coupled with the single- Constitution with a thousand cuts,” serving as a poignant minded focus of the RSS, have paved the way for the close metaphor for the challenges faced by democracy under realization of a Hindu Rashtra. Moreover, Khaitan raises the NDA regime. Professor Khaitan begins by asserting concerns about the systematic preparation for a new that democracy in India is in peril, particularly under Constitution, indicating that the government’s goal is not the current government. He articulates the significant only to alter the legal framework but also to transformthe shift between Modi 1 and Modi 2 regimes, highlighting essence of the Indian people. The prospect of shifting from the evolving nature of autocratic leadership that has a parliamentary to a presidential system is discussed, with learned from 20th-centurdictators. According to Khaitan, Khaitan characterizing it as the “elected autocrat’s wet the Modi 2 regime poses a more significant threat to dream.” The interview with Professor Tarunabh Khaitan democracy than the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi, provides a comprehensive and critical examination of the as autocratisation systematically erodes the foundations Modi government’s impact on India’s democratic fabric, of democratic institutions. The interview delves into serving as an eye-opener for many Indians and fostering the opportunistic nature of the Modi government, a broader understanding of the complex issues at play. particularly its actionsleading to the delegitimization and Khaitan’s insights expose the multifaceted challenges disenfranchisement of the Muslim minority population in faced by the nation under the current regime, prompting India.Khaitan critiques the government’s discriminatory reflection on the state of democracy in India. laws, such as NRC and CAA, which have contributed to the polarization of the electorate and the criminalization of Ravish Kumar’s fearless journalism a pathway to the Muslim community. build peaceful and informed society Khaitan also addresses the erosion of institutional Ravish Kumar, a prominent and fearless independent mechanisms by the Modi 1 and Modi 2 governments. This journalist, has been a stalwart in the field for over 27 includes control over judicial appointments, compromising years, gaining recognition for his unwavering commitment the judiciary, and undermining various institutions. The to truthful reporting. He gained widespread popularity professor points out the government’s use of corporate through his YouTube channel, Ravish Kumar official71. power to silence the media, creating a crony capitalist- It has more than 7.88M subscribers with 345 videos. The dominated narrative. videos share unfiltered opinions on various topics, mainly Hyper-nationalism, according to Khaitan, has reached its focusing on Indian politics, society, and culture. Despite zenith, with the committed ideological party succeeding threats and an increasingly unsafe environment, Kumar in bringing Hindutva ideology to the forefront and shaping remains dedicated to providing transparent and fearless India as a Hindu Rashtra. The interview highlights the journalism. Journal of Communication and Management, October-December, 2024, Vol 3, Issue 4, 341-350 347  Richard Pinto and Abhirup Bhadra Despite facing death threats and criticism, Kumar landscape. Gupta’s videos are not just a coverage of diverse maintains his responsibility to provide relevant content topics but a form of storytelling. By breaking down complex that reflects the truth of the time. He emphasizes the issues into easily digestible narratives, he ensures that the need for different Election Commissions to address party audience is informed and engaged. differences and highlights the existential crisis in truth- Under Gupta’s leadership, the editorial ethos of The Print telling globally. His documentary ‘While We Watched’ revolves around the pillars of Politics, Policy, Governance, exemplifies his dedication to truth-telling, shedding light and Social and Cultural Change. This comprehensive on the dangerous weaponization of fake news by the ruling approach allows for a deeper understanding of the socio- regime in India. His term Godi Media for pro-government political fabric of India and the world at large. The content media reflects his concern about the culture of violence and is characterized by clarity of thought, colloquial language, hatred propagated in the name of religion and nationalism. and a commitment to contextualizing complex issues. Kumar’s reporting extends beyond mainstream issues, One notable aspect of Gupta’s reporting is his refusal to sit giving a voice to marginalized communitiesand addressing on the fence. In the Bilkis Bano case, he took a clear stand social injustices. His commitment to journalistic integrity against the remission granted to the men convicted of her earned him the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2019, rape, showcasing acommitment to justice. His reports on recognizing his efforts to maintain journalistic standards caste census politics and the Manipur issue indicate his amid the rise of politicized fake news. In the face of ability to delve into critical matters, providing a nuanced majoritarian Hindu Nationalist politics that threaten perspective beyond the surface. press freedom, he remains optimistic. He acknowledges In an era of rampant misinformation, Gupta’s dedication his followers’ responsibility and believes that, over time, to fact-based reporting is crucial. The Print’s mission those who follow him have become more responsible. of high-quality, fair, and questioning journalism aligns Despite the challenges, he receives messages of apology with the need for the public to distinguish between facts from individuals who once harbored violent thoughts, and manipulated news. Gupta’s on-air apologies for showing the impact of his fearless journalism. occasional factualerrors exemplify his accountability. His R av ish Kumar ’s work ref lec t s a dedicat ion to storytelling ability is not limited to politics; he extends trustworthy journalism as a tool for building a peaceful it to episodes like Valor, heroism amid Ignominy, and the society. By exposing corruption, poverty, social inequality, Battle of Rezang La, highlighting the military glory of and marginalizedcommunities’ struggles, he informs and India. This diversification underscores his commitment advocates for social justice. to offering a holistic understanding of various facets of society. Through interviews with political figures like Shekar Gupta’s The Print and Cut the Clutter is a D K Shivkumar Gupta provides a platform for in-depth tool for factual journalism and building a peaceful discussions, facilitating a better grasp of political nuances. society The impact of CTC and The Print is evident in their growing Shekhar Gupta, a seasoned journalist and the driving readership and viewership, making them the most read force behind The Print and Cut the Clutter, (CTC), has and watched news space among digital platforms. The emerged as a pivotal figure in shaping the narrative of involvement of prominent investors like Ratan Tata Indian journalism. Gupta’s impact is undeniable with over signifies the trust and credibility Gupta has built. His 23,000 videos on CTC and a subscriber base of 2.32 million. role in conscientizing people lies in the dissemination of CTC, initiated in 2018, serves as a beacon of explanatory accurate information, the exploration of diverse topics, journalism, a genre gaining prominence in today’s media Figure 4: It shows the word count of the articles, 10 videos of Figure 5: The word cloud from the various articles of Shekhar Ravish’s reporting Gupta and 10 videos from CTC 348 Journal of Communication and Management, October-December, 2024, Vol 3, Issue 4, 341-350  Independent Journalism in the Digital Era: Combating Hate Speech for a Peaceful Society and the cultivation of critical thinking. By contributing the shared pursuit of truth. to building a peaceful society, Shekhar Gupta exemplifies For t h i s g r ow i n g c onc e r n s ove r s pr e a d i n g the power of responsible journalism in shaping public misinformation which leads to distortion of peace a discourse. robust counter checking systems to verify the facts at the sub-editor and editor level must be ensured. It is also Conclusion and Discussion important for the field reporters, stingers and freelance As rightly as Marshal McLuhan quoted that the” The world correspondence reporters to understand the novel nature as Global Village”, the new media especially social media, of the profession. The institutions in India which provides digital journalism, are all the tools through which we are courses on journalism should entitle courses on peace heading towards a more technological and networked journalism, give more importance to media laws and ethics globe to which Manuel Castell coined the term “Network and hand on training for journalist on fact checking and Society” where we are connected by information nodes, data journalism. Journalism, is more than just producing the risk of spreading misinformation, hatred, digital news, rather it’s a way through which people connect with bullying has also got a pace. The relevance of this study their society and get informed. is to scrutinize the digital journalism landscape from a From a consumer’s point of view, it’s extremely peace building perspective. Journalism as a mass media important to understand the nature of the profession in tool helps in disseminating information in the form of terms of ethics and morals. Giving valuable feedbacks, news which over the period of time has changed its format letters to editors are still considered the best way a news from print to digital, which also changed the consumption reader communicate to the editor and let them know if pattern. People engaged in daily routine are having something is out of the box. In the world of internet, digital literacy becomes crucial for consumers, producers and less time to undergo the entire piece of news and thus prosumers. prefer short summarized readings which is leading to a Thus, in ever growing society of information, the basics greater scope of falsifying facts and figures, therefore of human life especially maintaining peace is the utmost the spread of hatred for some instances. Journalism as a priority, to which necessary measures if taken can lead us novel profession has its own ethics and morals. The Social to a world of joy rather being polarized. Responsibility Theory derived from Hutchins Commission lay out a ethical and socially acceptable guidelines for the working professions with regards to their credibility and Acknowledgment accountability for the news they publish. Catering to the A special thanks to all the participants who helped in consumers, keeping the repercussions of the news is very obtaining valuable insights for the paper. Last but not the crucial. The concept of peace is subjective in nature which least I would like to thank our parents, friends and all depend on various reasons. mighty for their support. 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HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Pinto, R., Bhadra, A. (2024). Independent Journalism in the Digital Era: Combating Hate Speech for a Peaceful Society. Journal of Communication and Management, 3(4), 341-350. DOI: 10.58966/JCM2024347 350 Journal of Communication and Management, October-December, 2024, Vol 3, Issue 4, 341-350