World Press Freedom Day 2025: Scoop To Bhakshak Gripping Journo Dramas On OTT That Take You Into The Newsroom

World Press Freedom Day:  The Media is called the fourth pillar of democracy as it plays a significant role as the watchdog of authorities and leaders chosen by the people to govern them. Its responsibility is to spread truthful and unbiased information to the public, to hold those in power accountable, and ensure transparency in decision-making. 

Free press is as essential as clean air, so on 3 May every year, the world globally recognises the roles and power of journalists and journalism along with a reminder of the decaying press freedom, threats faced by journalists, and biases prevalent in the field. 

Today, a newsroom is not devoid of forces like political allegiances, financial needs, and the thirst for TRP, all of which have collectively reduced the quality of journalism and press freedom. 

Ahead of the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, let us take you into the high-pressure and highly deranged environment of a newsroom, and the state of truthful journalism through five journo-dramas streaming on OTT.

Scoop on Netflix 

Based on the biographical memoir of Jigna Vora, titled ‘Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison’. The series is about a crime reporter, Jagruti Patha, who is accused of slaying her fellow journalist by using her connections with the underworld. As she defends herself, the series shows the audience the dark side of the press and the downside of journalistic grit. 

Despatch on Zee5

Starring Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role of a seasoned crime journalist, Joy, the series is a poignant take on the digitalisation of the press and newsroom where many veteran journalists with years of connections, manual labor,r and hard work struggle to remain relevant as rapid internet and technology replaces the spirit of journalism.

Crime Beat On Zee5

Starring Saqib Saleem and Sai Tamhankar in pivotal roles, Crime Beat is about a small-town rookie journalist trying to stay true to his morality and ambition as he gets trapped in a web of lies and motives investigating the return of a fugitive gangster in India.

The Broken News on Zee5 

With Jaideep Ahalawat, Sonali Bendre, and Shreya Pilgaokar in lead roles, the Broken News gives the viewers a look into the flimsy life of journalist amidst a highly competitive field where more than one channel is competeing to be the best putting the lives and professions of the desk and field employees in an uncertain future. The show is also an insight into the values of operating a media organization. 

Bhakshak on Netflix

Bhumi Pednekar is in the lead role of a local journalist in this gripping film where she uncovers the truth about a girls' shelter home which is used for sexual abuse. The film is proof of what truthful journalist and journalism are capable of; however, their path is inflected by many challenges.