Comprehension Passage

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it based on the passage.

Press freedom is a cornerstone of democratic societies, ensuring that citizens have access to unbiased information and enabling them to hold power to account. In India, a vibrant democracy with a rich tradition of journalism, press freedom has faced various challenges and undergone significant changes over the years. The primary challenges include legal constraints such as colonial-era laws like the Official Secrets Act of 1923 and sedition laws under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which are often used to curb journalistic activities. Defamation laws also pose a threat, with journalists frequently entangled in costly and prolonged legal battles. Furthermore, political pressure and intimidation are prevalent, with both central and state governments exerting control over the media through advertising revenue, media ownership, and regulatory measures. Journalists who criticize government policies or politicians often face harassment, arbitrary arrests, and even physical attacks. Economic pressures also impact press freedom, as the concentration of media ownership among a few corporations leads to biased reporting and conflicts of interest. Additionally, media outlets' dependence on government and corporate advertising revenues often results in self-censorship to avoid offending major advertisers. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including legal reforms to protect journalists, ensuring economic independence for media outlets, and fostering a culture that values and defends press freedom.

What risks do journalists face when criticizing government policies or politicians?

1
Reducing newsprint costs
2
Receiving promotions
3
Harassment, arbitrary arrests, and physical attacks
4
Getting exclusive stories

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