Overview In a keynote address at the International Press Institute (IPI) India Award for Excellence in Journalism 2025, Justice BV Nagarathna warned that corporate ownership and economic patronage pose a subtler but serious danger to the independence of the Indian press. Key Developments Press sustained by readers and civil‑society subscriptions is best positioned to resist political pressure. Corporate‑owned media, while formally free from direct State control, remain vulnerable to antitrust regulation , licensing, taxation and advertising policies that can shape editorial choices. The most serious threats to press freedom arise from economic and regulatory pressures justified under Article 19(6) , rather than direct censorship under Article 19(2) . Government and public‑sector advertising can create a financial dependency that discourages critical reporting. Justice Nagarathna presented the award to Scroll.in reporter Vaishnavi Rathore for her ground‑level reporting on the Great Nicobar Island Development Project, underscoring the role of journalism in linking constitutional values to lived realities. Important Facts The Constitution protects press freedom through the combined operation of Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of expression) and Article 19(1)(g) (freedom to pursue a profession). However, these guarantees are insufficient without a financially independent media ecosystem. Justice Nagarathna described independent journalism as a public good that merits direct support from readers, akin to a subscription model that signals societal value. UPSC Relevance Understanding the nuanced threats to press freedom is essential for GS 2 (Polity) – especially the interplay between constitutional rights and State‑regulated economic policies. Candidates should be able to discuss how Article 19(6) can be used to justify licensing, taxation or advertising rules that indirectly curb editorial independence. The discussion also touches upon GS 3 (Economy) – the role of corporate ownership, antitrust concerns, and the financial sustainability of media houses. Recognising the press as a public good aligns with ethical considerations in GS 4 (Ethics) regarding the responsibility of citizens and civil society to support democratic institutions. Way Forward Encourage subscription‑based and reader‑supported models to reduce reliance on corporate advertising. Strengthen antitrust oversight to prevent media concentration that can be leveraged for political influence. Review licensing, taxation and advertising policies to ensure they do not become covert tools for editorial control under the guise of Article 19(6) . Promote civic education on the importance of a free press as a constitutional and societal pillar. By aligning constitutional safeguards with economic independence, India can preserve a vibrant, critical press that upholds democratic values.