National Press Day: Celebrating the Freedom and Responsibility of the Press | TM Special
Every year, on November 16th, India celebrates National Press Day to commemorate the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory and quasi-judicial body that acts as a watchdog of the press. The day is also an occasion to acknowledge the role of the media as the fourth pillar of democracy and to highlight the importance of a free and responsible press in the country.
The History of National Press Day
The idea of forming a press council was first proposed by the First Press Commission in 1954, which envisioned a body that would ensure the ethical standards and professional conduct of the journalists and safeguard the freedom of the press from any external influence or interference.
However, it took more than a decade for the recommendation to be implemented, and the Press Council of India was finally established on July 4, 1966, under the chairmanship of Justice J.R. Mudholkar, a former judge of the Supreme Court of India.
The Press Council of India started functioning from November 16, 1966, and since then, the day has been celebrated as National Press Day. The PCI consists of a chairman, who is usually a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a high court, and 28 other members, representing various segments of the media, such as editors, working journalists, owners of newspapers, news agencies, and broadcasters, as well as eminent persons from different fields, such as literature, law, education, and culture.
The PCI has the power to receive complaints of violation of journalistic ethics or professional misconduct by the press, and to inquire and adjudicate upon them. It can also suo motu take cognizance of any such matter.
The PCI can censure, admonish, or warn the press for any breach of conduct, and can also recommend the appropriate action to the government or any other authority concerned. The PCI also has the duty to uphold the standards of the press and to promote the growth of a responsible and independent press in the country
The Significance of National Press Day
National Press Day is a significant day for the media fraternity, as well as the citizens of India, as it reminds them of the value and importance of a free and responsible press in a democratic society.
The press plays a vital role in informing, educating, and empowering the people, and in holding the government and other institutions accountable to the public. The press also acts as a platform for expressing diverse opinions, views, and perspectives, and for fostering a healthy and constructive debate on various issues of public interest.
However, with freedom comes responsibility, and the press has to adhere to certain ethical and professional norms and standards, such as accuracy, fairness, objectivity, balance, and public interest. The press has to respect the rights and dignity of the individuals and groups, and to refrain from publishing or broadcasting anything that is defamatory, obscene, communal, or inciting violence or hatred. The press also has to avoid sensationalism, distortion, or misrepresentation of facts, and to correct any errors or mistakes promptly and prominently.
The Press Council of India, as the custodian of the press freedom and responsibility, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the press maintains the high standards expected from this powerful medium, and that it does not abuse its freedom or compromise its integrity.
The PCI also acts as a bridge between the press and the public, and tries to resolve any complaints or grievances that may arise between them. The PCI also advises the government on any policy matters concerning the press, and defends the press from any undue interference or pressure from any quarter.
The Celebration of National Press Day
To celebrate National Press Day, the Press Council of India organizes various events and activities, such as seminars, workshops, panel discussions, lectures, and awards, to raise awareness and to discuss various issues and challenges faced by the press in India and abroad.
The theme for this year’s National Press Day 2022 was “The Media’s Role in Nation Building”, which aims to explore and examine the ways in which the media can contribute to the development and progress of the country, especially in the context of the 75th year of India’s independence.
The celebration of National Press Day is also an opportunity to salute and honor the journalists who have dedicated their lives to the service of the nation, and to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The celebration also seeks to inspire and encourage the young and aspiring journalists to uphold the values and ideals of journalism, and to strive for excellence and professionalism in their work.
National Press Day is a day to celebrate the freedom and responsibility of the press, and to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights. It is a day to appreciate the role of the media as a watchdog, a catalyst, and a partner in the nation-building process. It is a day to remember that the press is not only a medium of communication, but also a medium of transformation.
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