Evaluation and Censorship in Haryana’s Media: Silencing Dissent, Softly
Censorship in Haryana isn’t always overt — it’s often exercised through soft power, advertisement control, and legal threats.
Subtle Censorship Tactics
Independent media houses or reporters critical of government actions often find themselves excluded from state advertising, press passes, or events. Defamation lawsuits and FIRs are sometimes used to intimidate journalists into silence.
Broadcast Media Pressure
TV channels in Haryana have faced pressure to tone down reports on issues like farmer protests, land acquisition controversies, or caste-based violence. Some channels resort to self-censorship to avoid backlash.
Cultural Censorship
Moral policing is another challenge. Coverage of topics like women’s rights, honor killings, or LGBTQ+ issues is often met with resistance from conservative sections, affecting the freedom to report openly.
Conclusion
Evaluation mechanisms in Haryana’s media are more politically motivated than professionally structured. Strengthening independent media watchdogs and legal safeguards is essential to resist creeping censorship.
