History of Economic Journalism in India,

 The history of economic journalism in India is a fascinating journey that mirrors the nation’s economic evolution, from its colonial past to its emergence as a global economic player. While journalism in India began in the late 18th century with a focus on political and social issues, economic journalism as a distinct field developed later, shaped by the country’s economic policies, industrial growth, and the rise of a modern press. Below is an overview of its development:

### Early Beginnings: Colonial Era (18th–19th Century)

Economic journalism in India had its roots in the broader history of the Indian press, which started with James Augustus Hickey’s *Bengal Gazette* in 1780. Though primarily a political and commercial paper, it occasionally touched on trade and economic matters relevant to the British East India Company. Early newspapers like the *Bombay Courier* (1790) and *Madras Courier* (1785) also carried economic content, such as shipping news, commodity prices, and trade reports, catering to colonial administrators and merchants. However, these publications were limited in scope and largely served British interests.

During the 19th century, Indian-owned newspapers began to emerge, often with a nationalist bent. Figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, through his Persian newspaper *Mirat-ul-Akbar* (1822), and later English-language papers like *The Times of India* (founded 1838 as *Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce*), started addressing economic issues tied to colonial exploitation. These included critiques of British economic policies, such as taxation, land revenue systems, and the drain of wealth from India. The *Amrita Bazar Patrika* (1868) and *The Hindu* (1878) also played roles in highlighting economic grievances, blending them with the growing call for independence.

### Pre-Independence Growth (Early 20th Century)

The early 20th century saw economic journalism gain traction as India’s freedom struggle intensified. Newspapers became platforms for debating economic self-reliance and critiquing colonial policies like the salt tax or the deindustrialization of Indian crafts. Mahatma Gandhi’s use of the press during movements like the Salt Satyagraha (1930) brought economic issues—such as taxation and local production—into the public discourse. Publications like *The Indian Express* (1932) and *Hindustan Times* (1924) began covering economic policies more systematically, often framing them within the nationalist narrative.

During this period, economic journalism was less about data-driven analysis and more about advocacy. Indian economists and thinkers like Dadabhai Naoroji, whose "drain theory" exposed the economic exploitation of India, found their ideas amplified through the press. Journals like the *Indian Journal of Economics*, launched in 1916 by Herbert Stanley Jevons in Allahabad, marked the beginning of academic economic discourse in India, though they were not mass-market publications.

### Post-Independence: The Nehruvian Era (1947–1991)

After India gained independence in 1947, economic journalism evolved alongside the country’s adoption of a mixed economy and centralized planning under Jawaharlal Nehru. The press began focusing on five-year plans, industrial development, and agricultural reforms. Newspapers like *The Times of India* and *The Hindu* expanded their coverage of economic policy, while the government’s emphasis on state-led growth meant that much reporting aligned with official narratives.

The launch of *The Economic Times* in 1961 by The Times Group marked a turning point. As India’s first dedicated business newspaper, it focused on markets, industries, and finance, catering to a growing class of business professionals. Edited initially by P.S. Hariharan, it provided detailed reporting on share prices, commodity markets, and international trade, reflecting India’s ambition to industrialize. Other publications, like *Financial Express* (launched in 1961), followed suit, offering specialized economic content.

During this period, economic journalism was shaped by India’s socialist leanings. Critical reporting often focused on government inefficiencies, fiscal policies, or the performance of public-sector enterprises. However, the press operated under constraints, including censorship during the Emergency (1975–1977), which limited independent economic critique.

### Liberalization and Boom (1991–2000s)

The economic liberalization of 1991, spurred by a balance-of-payments crisis, transformed economic journalism in India. As the government under P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Manmohan Singh opened markets, reduced trade barriers, and encouraged private enterprise, the demand for detailed economic reporting surged. *The Economic Times* became a flagship publication, expanding its readership (over 800,000 by 2012) and competing with global giants like *The Wall Street Journal*. New players, such as *Business Standard* (1975) and *Mint* (2007), emerged, offering sophisticated analyses of markets, corporate performance, and policy reforms.

This era saw economic journalism shift from state-centric reporting to market-driven coverage. Topics like foreign direct investment, stock markets, and entrepreneurship dominated headlines. Television also entered the fray, with channels like CNBC-TV18 (launched 1999) and NDTV Profit (2005) providing real-time business news. Journalists began using data more extensively, reflecting India’s integration into the global economy.

### Digital Age and Contemporary Trends (2000s–Present)

The advent of the internet and digital media revolutionized economic journalism in India. Online portals like Moneycontrol (1999), EconomicTimes.com, and Livemint.com brought real-time updates, stock trackers, and interactive tools to readers. The rise of social media platforms, including X, further democratized economic discourse, allowing journalists, economists, and citizens to debate policies instantly.

Today, economic journalism in India covers a vast spectrum: macroeconomic policies, corporate earnings, startups, fintech, and global trade. Publications like *The Economic Times* have expanded into regional languages (e.g., ET Hindi in 2017) and launched premium platforms like ET Prime (2018). Television channels and podcasts, such as those by BloombergQuint, complement print and online media. The field has also embraced investigative journalism, exposing scandals like the 2G spectrum case or corporate frauds.

However, challenges persist. Sensationalism, paid news, and misinformation have raised concerns about credibility. The concentration of media ownership, notably by conglomerates like The Times Group, has sparked debates about editorial independence. Despite these issues, economic journalism remains vital in shaping public understanding of India’s complex economy, which has grown from a post-independence GDP of $125.7 billion (in 1990 terms) to over $3 trillion today.

### Conclusion

Economic journalism in India has evolved from a colonial footnote to a robust, multifaceted field. It progressed from trade listings in the 18th century to nationalist critiques in the 20th, and now thrives as a dynamic industry in the digital age. Reflecting India’s economic trajectory—colonial exploitation, socialist planning, and market liberalization—it continues to inform and influence a nation navigating its place in the global economy.