Dr. John Babu Koyye

I conducted a research study entitled “Working of media managers and journalists in a conflict zone: A case study of Kashmir” in 2018-219 as part of a Minor Research Project supported by Central University of Kashmir. Excerpts of the study were presented as a paper under the title "Conceptualizing the journalistic practices of reporting conflict: A case study of Kashmir" at the 5th Annual International Conference on the safety of journalists – Digital Safety at Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway from 5-7 November 2019. Journalists in Kashmir face risks predominantly before the abrogation of Article 370 from the Indian Constitution on 5th August 2019 and the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir state to Union Territory. The study aimed at exploring Kashmir specific media managers and journalistic ways and means of protest but in more subtle ways, like publishing blank spaces to alert readers that content had been censored or it is a way of not letting the newspapers have government advertisements, which is a lifeline for the newspaper survival. Further, this study concentrated on how the journalists in the Kashmir region have been resorting to online media to surpass the government’s curbs on print media.

Definition of journalists' safety

The nature of journalistic work is exacerbated more in the areas of disagreements due to multiple challenges like increased censorship, frequent internet blockades, stringent Government regulations and physical, digital and verbal attacks from different stakeholders. Journalists face risks from internal as well like financial difficulties, family refusals and updating professional skills of advanced digital technologies. These are added to undermine the professional work of journalists and media’s influence in a democratic nation. In my understanding, reporting in disturbed places is walking on a tightrope for journalists because most of their reporting news is against any or both stakeholders. The consequences of their effort to bring the truth to light are severe; sometimes, they may face death threats or sacrifices. Journalist’s safety is at stake as there is no intervention to ensure their security either by national/international organizations or NGOs. In my opinion, journalists' security is “the safety of any individual who practice journalism, irrespective of that person’s caste, creed, color, age and gender, in terms of physical, psychological, cyber security that should be ensured by the state”. It is the state’s obligation to protect journalism as a responsible profession in any democratic nation.

Future plans for research on journalists' safety

My research on peacekeeping and freedom of expression will be continued, as the main objective behind peacekeeping is to prevent parties from inflicting further harm. Research on journalists’ safety and security will be continued at the national level. In this regard, I would like to collaborate with other researchers from national/international organizations. In future, I would like to conduct a comparative analysis of journalists who are working in various countries and research the life of working women journalists in the regional, national and international media. I would like to pick up on the digital security and safety of using advanced technology such as AI algorithms, ChatGPT etc.