PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF SELF-CENSORSHIP IN MALAYALAM NEWS MEDIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhVichar.v2.i1.2026.92Keywords:
Self-Censorship, Malayalam News Media, Public Perception, Media Trust, Digital Journalism, Kerala, Editorial Independence, Political Pressure, Gatekeeping, Newsroom CultureAbstract
The growth of digital journalism has significantly transformed Malayalam news media in Kerala by increasing public access to information and audience engagement. At the same time, digital media has created new political, economic, and institutional pressures that affect journalistic freedom and editorial independence. This study examines public perception of self-censorship in Malayalam news media and explores how audiences view the influence of political pressure, corporate interests, legal risks, and digital media practices on journalism. It also analyses the relationship between perceived self-censorship and public trust in media organizations.
The study used a qualitative and exploratory approach supported by survey analysis. Data was collected from 171 respondents across different districts of Kerala through questionnaires, along with secondary sources such as books, journal articles, and media studies. The findings show that a majority of respondents believe self-censorship exists in Malayalam news media, mainly due to political pressure, advertiser influence, selective reporting, and avoidance of controversial topics. Television news channels were perceived as the most self-censoring media platforms. The study concludes that self-censorship is a structural issue shaped by political, economic, technological, and psychological factors, highlighting the need for stronger editorial independence, transparency, and ethical journalism practices to maintain public trust.
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