“National Press Day symbolizes the presence of a free and responsible press in democracy”
Bhopal, Saturday, November 16, 2024, On November 16, 1966, the **Press Council of India** officially began its operations, and since then, this day is commemorated annually as **National Press Day**. The Press Council serves as a regulatory body defining and upholding professional standards for print media in India. As a statutory body, it stands as a true symbol of the presence of a **free and responsible press**, which is central to democracy. The theme for National Press Day 2024 is **”The Changing Dynamics of the Press.”**
### **Genesis and Role of the Press Council of India**
The establishment of the Press Council was first recommended in 1956 by the First Press Commission. The Commission emphasized the need to protect press freedom and consistently promote ethical standards in reporting. Since its inception, the Council has played a proactive role in safeguarding press freedom, enabling media institutions to operate independently, without fear or interference.
### **The Significance of National Press Day**
This day holds greater relevance in acknowledging the media’s role as the **fourth pillar of democracy.** The media has continually played a critical role in shaping public opinion, ensuring government accountability, and accelerating development. It has also been instrumental in protecting public interests and promoting transparency in governance.
The **Press Council of India** ensures that newspapers retain their freedom and maintains a high standard of media content for public consumption. It keeps a vigilant eye on developments that may hinder the free flow of news and actively promotes technical and other research in the field of journalism.
### **Authority and Complaint Mechanism**
The Council entertains complaints related to professional misconduct or ethical breaches in journalism, whether against editors, journalists, newspapers, or news agencies. It investigates these complaints, summons witnesses, and requests records for examination. The Council is empowered to issue warnings or reprimands and criticize the guilty parties to uphold ethical journalistic practices.
### **Structure of the Press Council**
The **current chairperson of the Press Council of India is Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.** The Council comprises 28 members, including the chairperson, with the following representation:
– **2 members from the Rajya Sabha**
– **3 members from the Lok Sabha**
– **3 individuals with special knowledge of public life**
– **6 editors of newspapers**
– **6 individuals associated with newspaper management**
– **7 working journalists (excluding editors)**
Traditionally, the Chairperson of the Press Council is a retired judge of the Supreme Court.
### **Chief Minister’s Message**
On this occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav extended warm greetings to journalists, recognizing their indispensable role in strengthening democracy. He reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving press freedom and fostering an environment where journalism thrives as a force for transparency, accountability, and progress.
The celebration of National Press Day underscores the enduring relevance of a free press in upholding the democratic fabric of the nation.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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