Every year on November 16, India commemorates National Press Day, marking the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) in 1966 under the Indian Press Council Act, 1965. Although this Act was repealed in 1975 during Indira Gandhi’s Emergency regime, it was succeeded by the Press Council Act of 1978, which restored the PCI as a statutory quasi-judicial body. The PCI is tasked with two primary responsibilities: safeguarding press freedom and upholding the standards of newspapers and news agencies. It emphasizes that for a democracy to thrive, the press must remain both free and responsible. The PCI possesses advisory and adjudicatory functions, particularly addressing complaints regarding ethical violations or press freedom interference.
However, the PCI faces challenges due to its limited scope in the evolving media landscape dominated by digital innovations. Originally crafted for the print era, the PCI’s regulatory framework excludes electronic and digital media. Despite the rise of online platforms and social media, separate self-regulatory bodies have emerged for electronic media, primarily television. Attempts by the government to introduce a comprehensive ‘Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill’ aimed at controlling digital news and entertainment platforms have sparked debates, highlighting tensions between traditional and digital media and raising concerns among free speech advocates.
While the PCI’s foundational role remains pivotal, the media’s transformation necessitates a unified regulatory approach. The National Press Day 2024 theme, “Changing Nature of Press,” underscores this pressing need. Yet, there is little indication from the government about forming an inclusive, self-regulatory entity with a universal code of ethics, ensuring autonomy from state interventions. Such a step could harmonize the old and new media landscapes, fostering a cohesive environment for journalistic standards and ethical practices.
Imkong Walling is a Principal Correspondent at The Morung Express. Feedback can be shared at imkongwalls@gmail.com.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/frozen-press-act
Category : Editorial
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Publish Date: 2024-11-17 23:03:00
