‘Without fear or favour’ is a phrase often used by news media brands to underline their commitment to reporting the truth. One newspaper that has unwaveringly lived up to its tagline ‘Journalism of Courage’ is The Indian Express. The newspaper started by Ramnath Goenka in 1932 stands tall even today, as a flagbearer of the fourth estate.
The Indian Express’ founder Ramnath Goenka towered as a manifestation of journalism of courage, often remembered in conversations for standing up to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the emergency and the mighty czars of the corporate world. He was appointed member of the Constituent Assembly of India after independence.
The Indian Express is part of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and has played a role in exposes like the Pandora Papers. Express investigations have exposed scams, human trafficking and even delved into where India’s school toppers were, two decades after they left school – to figure ways to better the system.
The newspaper has a neutral editorial voice that speaks up to governments and political forces across the spectrum, irrespective of whether they are left, right or centre. Besides clearly demarcating views and news, the editorial columns ensure that there are views from both ends of the spectrum.
It is befitting that the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards is among the most coveted for journalists in India.
Today the group, which includes language publications and a financial daily, is well poised to leverage the Express brand of journalism online.
