The backbone of national news relies entirely on mofussil “stringers”—freelance village and district reporters. Yet, these critical workers operate without formal employment contracts, hazard pay, or medical insurance. When a local stringer is attacked by a mining mafia, major news conglomerates frequently disown them.

The Bharat Media Association demands sweeping labor reforms for rural journalists. National media houses must be legally forced to provide comprehensive health and legal coverage to the district stringers who supply their daily breaking news.