Understanding the essence of independence in journalism and its associated costs is fundamental. Independence in journalism, a cornerstone for a healthier and improved society, often spurs debates around media freedom. The existence of independent journalism in today’s world is under scrutiny – has it devolved into a binary of “us” and “them”? Has the relentless quest for truth been overshadowed by the drive to boost readership, viewership, listenership, and click rates? To unravel these queries, we’ll engage with seasoned professionals from the journalism and media sectors, whose experiences offer valuable insights.