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ThePrint
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ThePrint is an Indian online newspaper, owned by Printline Media Pvt Ltd.[1] It was launched by journalist Shekhar Gupta in August 2017.[2][3]
Key Information
History
[edit]Printline Media Pvt. Ltd, founded by journalist Shekhar Gupta,[2] was incorporated in New Delhi, India on 16 September 2016.[1]
ThePrint is noted for focusing on politics and policy.[4] The venture is associated with the Off the Cuff programme that is broadcast on Aaj Tak and promoted on ThePrint's YouTube and Facebook channels.[5]
In May 2017, It has received an undisclosed amount of funding from N.R. Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, Ratan Tata, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Uday Kotak, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Rajiv C. Mody, Ravi Thakran, Bhavish Aggarwal, Nirmal Jain, R. Venkatraman, Karan Bhagat and Yatin Shah.[6][7][8]
Gupta, as his position in editor-in-chief, in a letter to readers stated the mission of the ThePrint was to be "factual and liberal".[9] ThePrint has claimed to commit to its code of ethics for journalists which it has published on its website.[10][11]
Products
[edit]Website
[edit]ThePrint, being a new media digital platform primarily publishes its news stories on its website with majority of coverage in the English language. The platform additionally has a Hindi language edition of the website as well.[12] The news coverage is divided into factual news reporting and opinion pieces.
Subscription
[edit]The website is primarily supported by digital ad revenue, however it allows one time donations and recurring subscription from patrons.[13]
Off The Cuff
[edit]Off The Cuff is a series of candid talk shows organized in collaboration with Aaj Tak and launched in February 2016, though recent editions have been online only editions hosted by ThePrint alone.[14] It hosts prominent personalities from across the spectrum in engaging conversations, some of its prominent guests being Amish Tripathi, Gita Gopinath, Martin Wolf and Francis Fukuyama.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Printline Media Private Limited". www.tofler.in. Archived from the original on 2 September 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
- ^ a b "Shekhar Gupta's media venture gets big names on-board". The Asian Age. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
- ^ "ThePrint raises funding from corporate bigwigs Ratan Tata, Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, Uday Kotak, others". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
- ^ Pokharel, Sugam; Berlinger, Joshua (4 April 2018). "India makes U-turn after proposing to punish 'fake news' publishers". CNN. Archived from the original on 22 April 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
- ^ "Shekhar Gupta". The Times of India. 3 November 2017. Archived from the original on 2 September 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
- ^ Bansal, Shuchi. "Shekhar Gupta's The Print raises funds from Ratan Tata, Nandan Nilekani, Uday Kotak". Mint. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
- ^ "Printline Media gets funding". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 March 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
- ^ "ThePrint raises funding from Tata, Narayana Murthy, others". Outlook. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
- ^ Gupta, Shekhar. "Letter from the Editor-in-Chief". ThePrint. Archived from the original on 14 May 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
- ^ "About – ThePrint". ThePrint. Archived from the original on 26 August 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
- ^ "Code Of Ethics – ThePrint". ThePrint. Archived from the original on 16 June 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
- ^ "ThePrint Hindi - Latest News in Hindi, हिंदी समाचार, हिंदी न्यूज़, India, राजनीति, देश, विदेश, मत-विमत | दिप्रिंट हिंदी". ThePrint Hindi. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
- ^ "Support Our Journalism – ThePrint". ThePrint. 9 September 2020. Archived from the original on 9 September 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
- ^ "Off The Cuff – ThePrint". ThePrint. 9 September 2020. Archived from the original on 9 September 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
- ^ "Off The Cuff". ThePrint. Archived from the original on 9 September 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
External links
[edit]ThePrint
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
ThePrint is an Indian digital news and opinion platform founded in August 2017 by veteran journalist Shekhar Gupta, who serves as its editor-in-chief and chairman of parent company Printline Media Pvt Ltd.[1][2] Headquartered in New Delhi, it specializes in on-ground reporting, analysis, and commentary on Indian politics, policy, governance, economy, and social change, with additional sections in Hindi, Tamil, and Marathi.[1]
The platform emphasizes high journalistic standards and has secured investments from business leaders such as Nandan Nilekani, N.R. Narayana Murthy, and Ratan Tata, enabling rapid expansion as one of India's fastest-growing digital media ventures.[1] It maintains a code of ethics prioritizing factual accuracy and independence, though it has drawn mixed evaluations on bias: rated right-center by Media Bias/Fact Check for editorial leanings toward the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, while criticized by right-wing outlets for alleged anti-government distortions and by others for selective coverage favoring establishment narratives.[3][4][5]
History
Founding and Early Development
ThePrint was established through Printline Media Pvt Ltd, a company incorporated on September 15, 2016, in New Delhi, India, by veteran journalist Shekhar Gupta, who had previously served as editor-in-chief of The Indian Express until 2014.[6][7] Gupta positioned the venture as a response to perceived declines in digital journalism standards, naming it ThePrint to evoke the rigor associated with traditional print media.[8] The platform officially launched in August 2017 as a primarily digital news outlet focused on politics, policy, governance, and social issues, with an emphasis on on-ground reporting and analysis for an audience described by its founder as "curious and critical" Indians seeking non-partisan, liberal-leaning perspectives.[1][9] Printline Media secured its initial funding round in July 2017 from investors including media entrepreneurs and business figures, enabling the rollout of multimedia content such as articles, videos, and podcasts.[7] In its early phase, ThePrint differentiated itself by prioritizing in-depth explanatory journalism over sensationalism, rapidly building a network of correspondents across India and establishing a reputation for ground-level coverage amid a crowded digital media landscape.[1] By 2020, it had emerged as one of India's faster-growing digital news platforms, with expansions into subscriber-supported premium content and ethical guidelines underscoring commitments to factual accuracy and independence.[9][1]Key Milestones and Expansion
ThePrint was founded and launched in August 2017 by veteran journalist Shekhar Gupta as a digital-first news platform focused on in-depth reporting, analysis, and opinion, operating under Printline Media Pvt Ltd.[1][8] The initial rollout emphasized high journalistic standards amid a shifting media landscape, with Gupta positioning it as a counter to perceived declines in print media quality by leveraging digital reach for politics, policy, and ground-level coverage.[8] By 2025, marking eight years of operation, ThePrint had expanded its footprint across India, developing a nationwide network of editors, reporters, analysts, and support staff to enhance on-ground reporting capabilities.[1] This growth included scaling content production and audience engagement, positioning it among the most-read and most-watched platforms among newer digital entrants in India, though exact subscriber or traffic figures remain undisclosed in public records.[1] A key expansion involved venturing into regional languages to broaden accessibility, with the launch of dedicated Hindi, Tamil, and Marathi websites alongside the English core, enabling targeted coverage for diverse linguistic demographics.[1] Backed by investments from figures such as Nandan Nilekani, N.R. Narayana Murthy, and Ratan Tata, these developments supported sustained operational scaling without pivoting to print formats.[1]Ownership and Funding
Ownership Structure
Printline Media Private Limited, incorporated in Delhi on October 25, 2016, owns and operates ThePrint as its primary asset. The company was founded by journalist Shekhar Gupta, who holds the controlling stake and serves as director alongside Usha Uppal (head of finance) and Omkar Bhattacharya.[10] As of March 31, 2018, Gupta owned 99% of the shares, with the remaining 1% held by minor stakeholders including Uppal.[11] Subsequent angel investments have diluted ownership, with funding rounds totaling approximately $20 million across seven rounds through 2021, including a Series A of $3.99 million in December 2021.[12] Founders, led by Gupta, retain an estimated 56% stake, while angels hold about 21%, enterprises 6%, and funds 2%.[12] Notable investors include Ratan Tata, N.R. Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, and Uday Kotak, reflecting private equity from Indian business leaders without institutional control shifting from Gupta.Revenue Model and Funding Sources
ThePrint, operated through Printline Media Pvt Ltd, secured initial funding in 2017 from individual investments by Indian business figures including Ratan Tata, N.R. Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, Uday Kotak, and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, aimed at supporting its launch as an independent digital news platform.[13] Additional investors include Rajiv Mody, Ravi Thakran, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Bhavish Aggarwal, Rekha Jhunjhunwala, and institutional backers such as Avishkaar Technoventure Pvt Ltd and New Growth Comtrade Pvt Ltd, with total funding reaching approximately $20 million and a reported valuation of ₹246 crore as of 2025.[1][12] These sources provided seed capital without equity control tied to editorial decisions, aligning with the outlet's stated commitment to non-hyphenated journalism free from advertiser or governmental influence.[1] The primary revenue streams consist of reader subscriptions, advertising, and commissioned freelance contributions. Subscriptions, promoted as direct support for ground reporting and analysis, start at a minimum of ₹500 annually in India or $20 overseas, offering access to premium newsletters, events, and exclusive content while emphasizing financial independence from ad reliance.[14] Advertising opportunities are available via dedicated contact ([email protected]), though the model prioritizes diversified income to sustain operations amid digital media challenges.[1] For the financial year ending March 31, 2024, Printline Media reported revenue of ₹18.1 crore, reflecting modest growth but ongoing efforts to scale subscriber base and ad efficiency in a competitive market.[6] Supplementary income includes YouTube memberships launched in 2021 for early video access and exclusive features.[15]Leadership and Editorial Team
Shekhar Gupta's Role
Shekhar Gupta founded ThePrint in August 2017 as an independent digital news platform aimed at providing in-depth reporting on politics, policy, and governance.[16][17] As the outlet's Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of its parent company, Printline Media Pvt Ltd, Gupta holds ultimate responsibility for editorial direction and content strategy.[1][18] His leadership emphasizes "non-hyphenated journalism," focusing on factual analysis over ideological alignment, though the platform has been characterized by Gupta himself as "factual and liberal" in its foundational mission.[19][16] Gupta actively shapes ThePrint's output through regular columns, such as "National Interest," where he analyzes current events from a governance perspective, and by hosting flagship video programs including Cut The Cuff and Off The Cuff, which feature interviews with policymakers and experts.[18][20] These initiatives, produced under his oversight, have positioned ThePrint as a multimedia entity, with Gupta personally conducting high-profile discussions on topics like Indian foreign policy and domestic reforms.[21] By August 2025, marking the platform's eighth anniversary, Gupta credited its growth to a team-driven approach while underscoring his role in sustaining its focus on data-rich, visually compelling journalism.[1][17] Prior to ThePrint, Gupta's extensive career in Indian journalism—including stints as editor at major dailies—informs his current role, enabling him to recruit seasoned contributors and enforce a code of ethics prioritizing verification and independence.[1] However, his influence has drawn scrutiny from critics who argue that personal editorial preferences may subtly orient coverage toward centrist-liberal viewpoints, despite stated commitments to neutrality; such assessments stem from analyses of ThePrint's opinion pieces and event selections under Gupta's purview.[22] Gupta maintains operational control through direct involvement in key decisions, as evidenced by his public communications and the platform's self-described ethos in his founding letter.[1]Key Contributors and Structure
The editorial team at ThePrint is structured around specialized desks and sections, including an integrated News Desk, Politics, Opinion and Features, Operations, and multimedia units such as Social Media and Graphics, all coordinated under senior editors reporting to the Editor-in-Chief.[1] This setup emphasizes a blend of experienced journalists handling core reporting, analysis, and production, with oversight for regional language expansions in Hindi, Tamil, and Marathi.[23] Key contributors include Rama Lakshmi, who serves as Opinion and Features Editor with over 27 years of experience at The Washington Post, focusing on in-depth ground reports and commentary.[1] DK Singh, Editor for Politics, brings more than 20 years in political journalism, managing coverage of governance and policy issues.[1] Nisheeth Upadhyay, as Editor for Operations, heads the integrated News Desk alongside Social Media, Graphics, and production teams, ensuring cohesive output across platforms.[1][23] Other prominent figures encompass Praveen Swami, a Contributing Editor specializing in national security and defense, drawing from decades of investigative work; Snehesh Alex Philip, who covers defense and strategic affairs as a senior correspondent; and Jyoti Malhotra, Senior Consulting Editor for foreign policy analysis.[1][24] The team also features specialized roles like National Photo Editor Praveen Jain, with over 45 years in visual journalism, supporting multimedia integration.[1] This contributor base reflects a focus on domain expertise, though the outlet's relatively flat hierarchy allows for cross-desk collaboration amid a total staff of approximately 184 employees.[25]Content Offerings
Core Digital Platform
ThePrint operates primarily through its website, theprint.in, which functions as the central hub for disseminating news, analysis, and opinions in English. Established as a digital-only platform, it emphasizes in-depth, data-rich articles alongside multimedia elements such as videos and podcasts to cover topics including politics, policy, governance, economy, defense, and ground reports.[1] The site's structure includes dedicated sections for Politics, Opinion, Features, Science, Education, Health, and Diplomacy, enabling users to navigate specialized content efficiently.[26][1] Complementing the website, ThePrint provides a mobile app that extends access to its content on smartphones and tablets, facilitating on-the-go consumption of articles and updates. This app integrates with the platform's focus on visually compelling storytelling and real-time news delivery, though specific download metrics or user base figures are not publicly detailed by the outlet. Social media channels, including Twitter (@ThePrintIndia), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, amplify reach by sharing excerpts, videos, and live discussions, driving traffic back to the core site.[1][27] Audience engagement tools include newsletters for curated daily or thematic updates, such as politics briefings or opinion roundups, which subscribers receive via email to foster habitual readership. The platform prioritizes non-hyphenated journalism with ground reporting from a network of young journalists, avoiding overt ideological framing in its digital presentation. Interactive elements like comment sections and feedback mechanisms (e.g., [email protected]) allow user input, though moderation policies align with the outlet's stated commitment to fair discourse. Sub-domains such as school.theprint.in extend the platform's scope to educational content, while store.theprint.in and speakersbureau.theprint.in support ancillary services like merchandise and event bookings.[1][26] Overall, the core digital infrastructure avoids legacy print dependencies, leveraging web and app technologies for scalability and real-time updates, with content optimized for both desktop and mobile viewing to reach a tech-savvy Indian audience seeking substantive reporting over sensationalism. As of 2025, the platform maintains a clean, sectioned interface without aggressive paywalls on core articles, though premium features are gated elsewhere.[1][26]Subscription and Premium Features
ThePrint operates a subscription-based revenue model where readers contribute financially to support its journalism, with a minimum annual payment of Rs. 500 for subscribers in India or $20 for those overseas.[14] This flexible contribution structure, presented as a subscription rather than a fixed-price tier, funds ground reporting and in-depth analysis, distinguishing it from ad-reliant models.[14] Special promotional offers have included a 3-year subscription for Rs. 10,000 during events like Diwali in 2025, encouraging longer-term commitments.[28] Premium features for subscribers encompass exclusive access to paywalled content, such as the former "The Fine Print" section launched around 2022, which housed select investigative stories and analyses available only to paying members.[29] Additional benefits include curated premium newsletters delivered directly to inboxes, providing deeper dives into topics beyond standard articles.[30] Subscribers also gain entry to interactive "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) sessions with journalists and experts, fostering direct engagement.[30] Other perks feature subscriber-only events and programs like "YourTurn," where members submit and see their opinions published exclusively.[31] A login-based ad-lite reading experience reduces interruptions for registered users, enhancing accessibility without full ad removal.[32] Periodic free trials, such as an 8-day access to all benefits during the site's 8th anniversary in 2025, aim to convert non-subscribers by showcasing these exclusives.[30] This model prioritizes reader funding over widespread paywalls, maintaining most content freely available while reserving enhanced features for supporters.[14]Signature Programs and Series
ThePrint's flagship video series, Cut The Clutter, hosted by Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta, delivers daily analyses of major news events, emphasizing contextual breakdowns over superficial reporting. Launched in tandem with ThePrint's digital platform in August 2017, the program has aired over 1,600 episodes by October 2024, covering topics from domestic politics to global geopolitics, such as U.S.-India relations under Trump 2.0 and Japan's political shifts.[33][20] Its audio version is integrated into ThePrintPod, facilitating on-the-go consumption via platforms like Apple Podcasts. Another prominent series, Off The Cuff, features unscripted interviews and panel discussions anchored by Gupta, often as live on-ground events in collaboration with broadcasters like Aaj Tak. Originating in February 2016 prior to ThePrint's formal launch, it shifted to online formats post-2020 and focuses on policy debates with political figures, economists, and experts, such as discussions on India's outreach to Europe.[34] The series underscores ThePrint's emphasis on direct engagement, with episodes archived on YouTube for extended reach.[35] ThePrint also produces audio-focused series like National Interest and Pure Science, which explore strategic affairs and scientific developments, respectively, often as podcast extensions of written reporting. These complement the video programs by offering specialized deep dives, with National Interest addressing defense and foreign policy since the outlet's early years. Daily briefings under ThePrintAM provide concise morning updates on breaking developments, reinforcing the platform's multimedia approach to journalism.[36]Editorial Stance
Stated Principles and Approach
ThePrint describes its mission as delivering high-quality, fair, on-ground, and questioning journalism centered on politics, policy, governance, and social or cultural change, with an emphasis on in-depth, data-rich reporting by young journalists.[1] It positions itself in a "360-degree liberal space: liberal on society, liberal on the economy," rejecting doctrinaire positions on either the Left or Right and committing to non-hyphenated journalism that avoids lazy polarization.[37] Founder and Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta has articulated that the outlet aspires to a "factual and liberal" default, functioning as "factivists" who prioritize evidence over activism while taking "sharp, well-argued positions" as facts dictate, rather than adhering to anodyne neutrality.[37] ThePrint's Code of Ethics mandates a responsible, honest, objective, and fair pursuit of facts, free from partisan political affiliation or special interest influence, with strict independence maintained through barriers against conflicts of interest, such as prohibiting donations to political groups or accepting expensive gifts.[3] It requires transparency in sourcing, balance in reporting, and providing opportunities for response to adversely mentioned parties, while prohibiting offensive or irrelevant references to religion, caste, gender, or similar attributes unless contextually essential.[3] Errors must be corrected promptly with acknowledgment, underscoring commitments to accuracy, accountability, and integrity in all public and professional conduct.[3] As a journalist-owned entity, ThePrint emphasizes challenging conventional ideas through innovative editorial thinking combined with technology, aiming to engage audiences across ideological divides.[37]Analysis of Bias and Viewpoints
ThePrint's editorial content exhibits a right-center bias, as evaluated by Media Bias/Fact Check, primarily through opinion pieces that favorably frame policies and strategies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, such as portraying Modi's conferral of Bharat Ratna awards as a tool to position the BJP as a social justice party or his actions at Ayodhya as defining a new "political time" for India's public culture.[4][38][39] This tilt aligns with support for the right-leaning incumbent government, though the outlet maintains mostly factual reporting with no failed fact checks recorded in the past five years.[4] Critics from right-wing perspectives, including outlets like OpIndia, contend that ThePrint propagates leftist narratives through selective reporting and misinformation, citing instances of alleged exaggeration in coverage of government actions and promotion of opposition viewpoints under the guise of analysis.[5] Conversely, left-leaning observers and social media discussions often perceive it as pro-establishment, employing a "both sides are bad" tactic that indirectly absolves the BJP of deeper accountability, as seen in responses to economic policies like demonetization where opposition failures are emphasized over government outcomes.[40] Under founder and Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta's 99% ownership of Printline Media Pvt Ltd, the outlet's viewpoints reflect a blend of cultural liberalism and economic pragmatism, with Gupta critiquing aggressive elite liberalism while endorsing governance reforms aligned with the current regime's ideological commitments, such as those derived from RSS-inspired readings.[4][41] Despite this, ThePrint publishes pointed critiques of the Modi government, including assessments of policy stagnation, internal BJP dissent on issues like caste census, and the prevalence of falsehoods in official narratives, indicating a willingness to question power without outright opposition advocacy.[42][43][44] Accusations of anti-Hindu bias have surfaced from Hindu advocacy sources, pointing to specific articles and social media posts that frame class or caste dynamics in ways perceived as undermining traditional narratives, though these claims lack corroboration from neutral fact-checkers.[45] Overall, ThePrint's approach prioritizes policy and governance analysis over ideological purity, but its alignment with ruling party successes—amid India's polarized media landscape—fuels perceptions of establishment favoritism, particularly given Gupta's transition from pre-2014 Congress-era journalism to post-election adaptation.[46][47]Reception and Impact
Achievements and Recognition
ThePrint has earned recognition from the International Press Institute (IPI) for excellence in journalism, including the 2022 IPI Award for its in-depth coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting ground-level reporting on public health challenges.[48] In 2023, its journalist Saurabh Shukla received the IPI-India Award for Excellence in Journalism for exposing hate speeches, underscoring the outlet's focus on social tensions.[49] The outlet further gained IPI honours in December 2024 for extensive reportage on the Manipur ethnic conflict, with seven journalists—Sonal Matharu, Ananya Bhardwaj, Praveen Davar, Md Aslam, Mohammad Aslam, Yumnam Pradip Sharma, and Mohammad Tanveer—awarded in March 2025 for on-ground investigations amid restricted access.[50][51] Individual staff achievements have bolstered the outlet's reputation, such as Vandana Menon's 2024 Ramnath Goenka Award for her investigative report on the neglected tomb of Mughal prince Dara Shikoh in Delhi, revealing historical preservation lapses.[52] In May 2025, three journalists—Apoorva Mandhani, Bismee Taskin, and Khadija Khan—won Justice Media Awards from the North Delhi District Legal Services Authority for articles demystifying legal processes for public audiences.[53] Ananya Bhardwaj also secured the second Danish Siddiqui Press Freedom Award in November 2023 for Manipur violence coverage, emphasizing risks faced by reporters in conflict zones.[54] Founder and Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta's honors tied to ThePrint include the All India Management Association's Lifetime Contribution to Media Award in April 2022 and the Capital Foundation National Award in the same month for distinguished journalism contributions.[55][56] In July 2023, he was named afaqs! Business Leader of the Year, with ThePrint cited among objective voices in journalism.[57] These accolades reflect ThePrint's emphasis on investigative depth, though primarily self-reported or from affiliated announcements, with IPI validations providing independent corroboration.Criticisms and Controversies
ThePrint has been accused of exhibiting political bias, with right-leaning critics alleging a left-wing slant in its coverage of the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In May 2021, OpIndia published an article enumerating 50 instances of what it described as "lies and propaganda" by ThePrint, including claims of selective reporting and misleading narratives targeting Modi's policies on issues like COVID-19 management and economic reforms.[5] These accusations portray ThePrint as part of a broader ecosystem of opposition-aligned media, though OpIndia itself operates from a pro-government perspective, which may influence its framing. Conversely, independent bias assessors have rated ThePrint as right-center biased, citing editorial positions that align with the BJP-led ruling party's stances on national security and foreign policy, while maintaining mostly factual reporting with high sourcing standards.[4] A significant controversy involving ThePrint's editor-in-chief, Shekhar Gupta, arose in April 2019 when the Enforcement Directorate's supplementary charge-sheet in the AgustaWestland helicopter bribery scandal named him alongside two other journalists. The document alleged that middleman Christian Michel had contacted Gupta to "tone down" critical coverage in the Indian Express (where Gupta was then editor-in-chief) regarding the scam.[58] Gupta dismissed the claims as "100% untruth, laughable and utterly preposterous," asserting that his prior reporting had formed the basis of the investigations.[59] No charges were pursued against Gupta, and the episode highlighted tensions between investigative agencies and media figures, with critics questioning the ED's evidence while supporters viewed it as evidence of influence-peddling attempts.[60] Additional criticisms have focused on ThePrint's platforming of controversial figures. In March 2024, the outlet featured Nilakantan RS, a commentator who had previously issued statements interpreted as genocidal calls against upper-caste Hindus and derogatory remarks toward the Indian armed forces, prompting accusations of amplifying divisive rhetoric under the guise of discourse.[61] Right-wing outlets labeled this as reflective of an anti-Hindu bias, citing instances like a reported article and tweet by a ThePrint journalist that allegedly mocked Hindu practices through class-based framing.[45] ThePrint has not publicly retracted such content, defending its commitment to diverse viewpoints amid ongoing debates over journalistic boundaries in polarized India.Influence on Indian Journalism
Broader Contributions
ThePrint has advanced Indian digital journalism through its commitment to on-ground reporting and data-rich storytelling, covering pivotal events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Manipur ethnic crisis with in-depth features that prioritize empirical evidence over studio-based speculation prevalent in television news.[1] This approach has encouraged a shift toward substantive content in a market dominated by click-driven narratives, influencing peers to invest in investigative work and multimedia integration like podcasts and videos.[62] By adopting a subscription-supported model since its 2017 launch, ThePrint has modeled an alternative to heavy dependence on government advertising, which constitutes a significant revenue source for many Indian outlets and raises concerns about editorial compromise.[63] This strategy, backed by investors including Nandan Nilekani and Ratan Tata, underscores a push for financial sustainability that aligns journalistic integrity with market viability, potentially reducing self-censorship in politically sensitive reporting.[1] The outlet's establishment of ThePrint School of Journalism further extends its influence by training emerging reporters in ethical practices and multimedia skills, fostering a pipeline of professionals equipped for a digital-first ecosystem.[64] Overall, these efforts have positioned ThePrint as a proponent of non-hyphenated, questioning coverage that bridges traditional print rigor with digital accessibility, contributing to a more pluralistic media discourse amid India's polarized landscape.[65]Comparisons with Peers
ThePrint distinguishes itself from contemporary digital peers such as The Wire, Scroll.in, and The Quint, which emerged in the mid-2010s as alternatives to legacy print media amid India's expanding online news ecosystem. Launched in 2017 by veteran journalist Shekhar Gupta under Printline Media Pvt Ltd, ThePrint emphasizes analytical journalism, opinion pieces, and multimedia formats like podcasts, positioning itself against both government-aligned "godi media" and ideologically driven outlets.[11] In contrast, The Wire (founded 2015) adopts explicitly anti-establishment stances, often critiquing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while Scroll.in (2014) and The Quint (2015) prioritize progressive narratives on social issues, drawing accusations of left-leaning bias from conservative observers.[66][67] Media bias assessments highlight these divergences: ThePrint receives a right-center rating due to editorial favoritism toward the BJP-led government, coupled with high factual reporting, whereas peers like The Wire are characterized by stronger oppositional viewpoints that prioritize advocacy over neutrality.[4] Ownership models further differentiate ThePrint's independence—reliant on subscriptions and devoid of overt partisan funding—from The Wire's crowdfunding amid legal challenges, or The Quint's venture-backed structure under founder Raghav Bahl, which has faced scrutiny for investor influences.[8] This setup enables ThePrint to maintain a broader ideological spectrum in contributors, avoiding the perceived echo chambers in peers, though all face criticisms of selective coverage in polarized debates.[68] Audience reach among these outlets remains modest compared to legacy giants like The Times of India, with digital natives capturing niche, urban, English-speaking demographics; Reuters Institute data from 2025 indicates ThePrint's usage at around 14% among surveyed Indians for specific platforms, trailing regional digital arms but competitive with The Wire and Scroll.in in analytical content consumption.[69] Unlike peers entangled in controversies over fabricated stories (The Wire) or activist journalism (Scroll.in), ThePrint's focus on ground reporting and policy analysis has garnered praise for relative restraint, though detractors from across the spectrum allege subtle pro-establishment tilts.[4][70]| Aspect | ThePrint | The Wire | Scroll.in / The Quint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2017 | 2015[66] | 2014 / 2015[8] |
| Bias Rating | Right-center, mostly factual[4] | Left, anti-establishment[66] | Left-leaning per public discourse[67] |
| Funding Model | Subscription-driven, independent[11] | Crowdfunded, donor-supported[66] | Investor-backed[8] |