Kunāl Majumder serves as the India Representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, where he documents and researches press freedom issues and advocates for journalists’ safety. Additionally, he advises Impulse Model Press Lab, which supports reporters covering human trafficking, and served as a visiting faculty member at the Mass Communication Research Centre of Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi. Majumder has held leadership positions in news organizations, including Tehelka, Indian Express Group, Rajasthan Patrika Group and Zee Media Corporation. Recognized with the UNFPA-Laadli Award for Gender Sensitivity and the Statesman Award for Rural Development, Majumder’s reporting spans politics, business, foreign affairs, human rights, culture and conflict.
Tell me about yourself.
I grew up in Dhanbad, a coal-mining town in eastern India, and moved to New Delhi at 17 for higher education. My mother’s dedication to our education and sacrifices, along with my father’s political activism, have profoundly shaped who I am today. Coming from a Bengali Hindu background, my experiences at De Nobili School—a Jesuit institution established by an American Catholic missionary—and Jamia Millia Islamia, a university founded by nationalist Indian Muslims involved in India’s freedom struggle, instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity. Over time, I found resonance in Buddhist philosophy, which continues to guide my understanding of myself and the world.
What drew you to journalism?
Growing up in a small town before the internet, newspapers and weekly magazines were my window to the world. I attended a school with a remarkable library, which helped me develop an early passion for history, literature, and writing, fueling my interest in constitutional issues, democracy, and social justice.
This intellectual curiosity led me to study literature, political science, and history, followed by a degree in journalism. I started my journalism career while still in graduate school, working as a trainee sub-editor for a design trade magazine. After graduation, I joined Tehelka magazine, covering business and current affairs. However, I encountered several instances of internal censorship over my 17-year career, which strengthened my commitment to press freedom. Recognizing its crucial role in democracy, I joined the CPJ in 2018 to advocate for journalists' rights and safeguard press freedom.
How hard is it to be a journalist in India right now?
Independent journalism in India is increasingly difficult. The media landscape might seem vibrant, but true press freedom is often illusory. Many outlets are influenced by corporate or political interests, which restricts the space for independent voices. Journalists face criminalization, with security laws and arrests used against those challenging powerful groups. This environment stifles investigative journalism, especially where the state tightly controls the narrative.
I know you're involved with organizations fighting for the freedom of the press. Tell me about that.
At CPJ, I worked on defending press freedom and ensuring journalist safety across India. My role included advocating with authorities, organizing safety workshops, and documenting violations. The polarized environment increases the risks for journalists, and internal divisions within news organizations often weaken the fight for press freedom as unity is overshadowed by ideological differences.
In the same vein, tell me about your work with the organization that is fighting human trafficking.
I volunteer with the Impulse NGO Network on anti-trafficking efforts in Northeast India and Southeast Asia, focusing on indigenous communities. Through the Impulse Model Press Lab, I mentor journalists on human rights reporting, aiming to amplify marginalized voices and expose trafficking networks.
Tell us about your teaching experience.
During the pandemic, I began teaching journalism at my alma mater, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’ve taught courses on journalistic writing, media laws and ethics, and media entrepreneurship. Drawing on my experience at CPJ, I also introduced journalist safety into the curriculum at Jamia, emphasizing on physical, psychological and digital safety. This addition aims to prepare students for the practical challenges they’ll face in the field, ensuring they’re equipped to navigate the risks of modern journalism responsibly.
What is one thing that you really like about the Knight-Wallace Fellowship?
The fellowship’s most rewarding aspect has been learning from journalists worldwide. I’m fortunate to work alongside colleagues like Fatemeh Jamalpour from Iran, Baktygul Chynybaeva from Kyrgyzstan, and Dieu-Nalio Chery from Haiti, who have risked their lives to continue their work. Witnessing their resilience has expanded my understanding of global challenges to press freedom, deepening my perspective beyond India.
Tell me about your project.
My fellowship project centers on two key areas. First, I’m examining how press freedom and human rights intersect with geopolitical strategies to understand their role in global negotiations and foreign policy. Second, I’m exploring sustainable business models for news media, with a particular focus on integrating AI and emerging technologies. As these technologies rapidly reshape the media landscape, understanding their impact is essential for developing adaptable models. Financial sustainability is crucial for safeguarding press freedom, and I hope my research will inform media advocacy and support journalism that thrives independently and responsibly.
