Breaking News, Breaking Even: The Double Life of Rural Journalism

In Chitrakoot, a journalist starts his day arranging biscuit packets in his small shop before strapping on his phone and riding into the field. He isn’t chasing headlines for glory but answering calls from villagers, tip-offs from WhatsApp groups, and a sense of duty. The risk could be anything from police warnings to mafia threats. The reward is often nothing at all. Across rural India, journalists like Bansilal work without institutional protection, steady pay, or editorial support. They juggle their reporting with side businesses just to survive. The situation is worse in non-metro areas, where reporters are often unpaid or underpaid contributors. From documenting ignored local crises to confronting powerful interests, they walk a tightrope between truth and safety. KL