By Alis Okonji
India’s independent media is embracing collaboration and innovation in an industry dominated by media giants and government pressures. This coalition is not just about defense; it is a proactive move to uphold journalistic values and enhance democratic discourse. With another parliamentary election looming, there’s a growing need for media partnerships. Report for the World convened a panel at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia in April 2024 to explore the collaborative efforts of Indian independent media.
Despite their diverse storytelling styles, leading independent outlets like The Wire, The News Minute, Scroll, News Laundry, and Caravan have joined forces to provide comprehensive election coverage. Their aim? To amplify their collective voice and offer an alternative perspective to the mainstream media.
Content sharing and cross-publishing play a crucial role in expanding their reach. By sharing resources and stories, independent media outlets ensure important stories get the attention they deserve, despite attempts at suppression. “Sharing resources enables us to make a better show,” says Vignesh Vellore, co-founder and CEO of the News Minute. Notable collaborations include the coverage of the electoral bond scam, with Scroll, News Laundry, and others producing nearly 40 stories on this mysterious form of election financing. “The first and perhaps the oldest form of collaboration is the sharing of information and even sharing of stories. It’s not uncommon for us to cross publish,” Siddharth Varadarajan, founder and editor, the Wire.
Independent news organizations have taken an extra step forward with the formation of the DigiPub News India Foundation. This national coalition of public interest independent digital news platforms addresses legal challenges, advocates for regulatory changes, and explores diverse revenue models. According to Varadarajan, DigiPub allows them to speak collectively and effectively counter government actions. “We felt that given the terrain in the anti-media terrain which exists and the attitude of the Modi government and the kind of legal and regulatory changes that they were introducing that there was a need for a sort of industry-wide voice to handle this. Digipub allows us to speak collectively and we will be much more effective in trying to counter what the government is doing”.
Collaborative efforts also extend to audience engagement and revenue generation, with joint membership programs and events fostering a sense of community among readers. Supriya Sharma, executive editor of Scroll, highlights the success of their membership programs and joint events with News Laundry.
In the fight against misinformation, collaboration is crucial. By working together on fact-checking and data journalism initiatives, these organizations provide accurate information, particularly during elections when misinformation can sway voter perceptions.
Regional collaborations are also bridging the gap between local and national coverage, providing a more holistic view of the electoral process, all while leveraging social media and digital platforms to engage younger audiences and combat misinformation.
The collaborative efforts of India’s independent media demonstrate their resilience and commitment to democracy. By pooling resources and standing united, they ensure comprehensive election coverage and pave the way for a more informed citizenry. As they continue to innovate and collaborate, they offer hope for the future of independent journalism in India.
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