Why in News? World Press Freedom Day is annually commemorated on May 3, in recognition of the importance of journalism in society. Press played an important role in India’s independence struggle and Bengal Gazette was the first newspaper ever published in India.

Beginning of Bengal Gazette- Ireland-born James Augustus Hicky founded Asia’s and India’s first newspaper “Bengal Gazette” in 1780 as newspapers available then came through ships from America and Europe months after being published. It gained early success because of its novelty, and newsworthy events happening at the time like the British wars against the Americans, the French, the Spanish and the Marathas.

What Stories did it Publish? The paper initially published local issues and advertisements but with time it started shedding light on government corruption and civic issues, criticizing British East India Company (EIC) and challenging powerful people. For instance, the paper criticized Warren Hastings’ expansion policy in sub-continent and described him as Clive’s “miserable successor”. With the change in the stories published, Hicky changed the paper’s title to- ‘Open to all Parties but influenced by None’.

Why was it Shut Down? Due to constant criticism of EIC and its officials, the paper came under the radar of British authorities and was sued for libel around two years into its publication, leading to its closure.

Its Importance in Indian Journalism- It helped in advancing the growth of journalism in India. Many of Hicky’s printing press associates started their own newspapers. Indian papers (like Samachar Darpan, a Bengali weekly started in 1818) were also started to inform the masses in their own languages about the British rule and its criticisms, helping them learn about popular leaders and attach themselves to the anti-colonial movement.