Khan faroz cni
Srinagar, CNI: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday voiced serious concern over the deteriorating condition of the media in Kashmir, calling upon the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister to address what she described as a growing crisis triggered by the suspension of government advertisements.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the former Chief Minister said: “Suspension of government advertisements vital for both small and leading publications has thrown print journalism into complete disarray across the Valley. Its only further deepened the crisis in the local media ecosystem depriving hundreds of families who rely on it for their livelihood. Request @CM_JnK to take cognisance of this issue: Mehbooba Mufti

Mehbooba’s remarks come at a time when local print journalism in Kashmir is reeling under financial pressure. Many small and mid-sized newspapers are either cutting down on their print days, reducing staff, or shutting shop altogether. Several prominent publications, too, are said to be operating on the margins due to lack of government support through advertisements, which traditionally serve as a lifeline for regional media.

The 2019 abrogation of Article 370 marked a sharp turning point for local media in the Valley. Since then, government advertisements, once the backbone of newspaper revenue in Kashmir, have dried up for most publications. Media insiders claim that selective allocation of ads has become a tool to marginalise independent and critical voices.

A number of journalists and press associations have echoed Mehbooba Mufti’s concerns in recent months, warning that the financial throttling of the media not only threatens press freedom but also renders hundreds of journalists, editors, designers, and printing staff jobless.

With rising costs of newsprint and operational expenses, many newspapers are struggling to survive. People associated with print media say that unless there is a fair and transparent advertising policy in place, the region’s already fragile media landscape could collapse entirely. (CNI)