Addresses Challenges in the Evolving Media Landscape at National Press Day 2024.
Canon Times, Bhopal, November 16, 2024:
On the occasion of National Press Day 2024, the Press Council of India* organized a grand event at the National Media Centre in New Delhi. The event saw the virtual address of Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Railways, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, alongside dignitaries such as Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan, Press Council Chairperson Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, and veteran journalist Shri Kundan Ramanlal Vyas.
### **Key Highlights of the Minister’s Address**
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the vibrancy and diversity of India’s media ecosystem, which comprises 35,000 registered newspapers, numerous news channels, and a robust digital infrastructure. Acknowledging advancements in 4G and 5G networks, he stated that India now offers the world’s lowest data prices, leading in digital connectivity.
However, he highlighted four major challenges posed by the rapidly evolving media landscape:
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#### **1. Fake News and Misinformation**
Fake news undermines trust in the media and threatens democracy. Shri Vaishnaw stressed the urgent need for digital platforms to take responsibility for content published on their platforms. He questioned the continued relevance of the **safe harbor provisions**, introduced in the 1990s, which provide immunity to platforms for user-generated content.
Highlighting the global debate on safe harbor laws, he remarked:
*”Should platforms operating in complex democracies like India adopt a distinct set of responsibilities? These pressing questions underline the need for a framework that ensures accountability and safeguards the nation’s social fabric.”*
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#### **2. Fair Compensation for Content Creators**
The shift from traditional to digital media has financially impacted traditional outlets, which invest heavily in journalistic integrity. Shri Vaishnaw called for fair compensation for traditional media content creators, bridging the power imbalance between digital platforms and legacy media.
*”Efforts put in by traditional media for content creation deserve fair remuneration,”* he said.
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#### **3. Algorithmic Bias**
The algorithms driving digital platforms prioritize engagement, often amplifying sensational or divisive content. This, the Minister noted, poses significant social risks in a diverse country like India. He urged platforms to develop solutions that mitigate these risks, fostering inclusivity and harmony.
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#### **4. Intellectual Property Rights in the Age of AI**
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents ethical and economic challenges, particularly regarding the intellectual property rights of creators whose work trains AI systems. Shri Vaishnaw emphasized:
*”AI models can generate creative content based on vast datasets they are trained on. But what about the rights and recognition of original creators? Are they being compensated or acknowledged? This is not just an economic issue but a moral one.”*
He urged stakeholders to engage in open debates and collaborative efforts to address these challenges, emphasizing the role of a free press as a pillar of democracy and its contribution to building a harmonious and prosperous India by 2047.
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### **Other Dignitaries’ Insights**
#### **Dr. L. Murugan on Fake News**
Dr. Murugan highlighted the rapid evolution of journalism from print to satellite channels and now digital media. While acknowledging the speed at which news reaches the public, he warned against the growing menace of fake news, calling it a threat to national integrity.
He praised the government’s efforts, including the establishment of a fact-checking unit within the **Press Information Bureau (PIB)** to verify news and counter misinformation.
#### **Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai on Journalism’s Integrity**
Justice Desai emphasized the challenges brought by the proliferation of digital platforms and citizen journalism. She highlighted the **Press Council of India’s initiatives**, such as awards and internships, to uphold journalistic integrity and nurture ethical practices.
She announced that this year, **15 journalists received National Excellence Awards** across various categories, reflecting PCI’s commitment to promoting responsible journalism and fostering a sense of duty among aspiring journalists.
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### **Secretary Sanjay Jaju on Government Initiatives**
The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju, elaborated on government measures supporting journalists, such as accreditation, welfare schemes, and capacity-building programs through institutions like **IIMC**. He also highlighted reforms like the **Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023**, which modernizes media regulations.
He called for collective efforts to create a **fair, transparent, and sustainable media ecosystem** that positions journalism as a beacon of truth and a catalyst for positive societal change.
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### **Call to Action**
The event underscored the critical role of the media in fostering informed societies, preserving national integrity, and promoting ethical journalism. As challenges in the digital age continue to grow, stakeholders were urged to ensure that journalism remains a force for truth, inclusivity, and progress.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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