Why a Newspaper Still Matters

In today’s digital age, where information is abundant and misinformation is even more pervasive, the role of a newspaper remains critical. More so, with the rise of social media, which has brought new challenges to the credibility and reliability of public discourse. In this environment, professionally produced journalism, grounded in fact, accountability, and editorial scrutiny has become more necessary than ever.

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Kashmir Observer was launched in March 1997, at a time of deep uncertainty and political upheaval. Journalism in Kashmir, then and now, operates under extraordinary constraints. The region’s turbulent history has often left little space for independent, balanced reporting. Despite this, we began publication with a clear editorial objective: to reflect the reality on the ground with integrity, depth, and independence.

We did not aim to merely report events as they occurred. We sought to explain their context, their consequences, and their underlying causes. While others, with few exceptions, focused on press statements and official handouts, we chose to focus on the stories behind the headlines, especially those related to the human cost of conflict, the social and economic issues affecting everyday life, and the long-term implications of political developments.