National Press Day 

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

In Context

• India celebrated National Press Day honouring the essential role of a free and responsible press in our society.

About

• National Press Day observed on 16 November, marks the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) in 1966, later reconstituted in 1979 under new legislation.
  • The idea for the Council was first proposed by the First Press Commission in 1956, which emphasized the need to protect press freedom and promote ethical reporting.
• This year’s theme focuses on safeguarding press credibility amidst rising misinformation, highlighting the growing importance of accurate and ethical reporting.

India’s Media Landscape

• India is one of the world’s largest and most diverse media ecosystems, spanning print, television, radio, OTT platforms, and digital news.
• India’s vibrant media landscape continues to grow, registered publications have risen from 60,143 in 2004–05 to 1.54 lakh in 2024–25, reflecting the expanding reach and strength of the press.

Importance of Media

• The media is often referred to as the fourth pillar of democracy, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion, driving development, and holding power to account. 
• Historically, newspapers played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle.
• The media and entertainment industry contributes significantly to GDP, employment, and India’s global cultural footprint.
• Media promotes communal harmony, inclusivity, and awareness, especially in diverse societies.

 Challenges

• OTT platforms and social media have transformed consumption, creating stress for traditional media.
• Concerns over media bias, political influence, and attacks on press freedom undermine trust.
• New acts raise fears of excessive government control.
• Declining ad revenues and unfair compensation models for digital content threaten viability.
• With large internet users, safeguarding against fake news and online threats is critical.

Institutional Framework Governing the Media

• India’s media governance framework is built on institutions, laws, and initiatives that safeguard press freedom, promote ethical journalism, modernize regulation, and support media professionals.
• Press Registrar General of India (PRGI): Established in 1956 , now statutory under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 (PRP Act).
  • It oversees registration and regulation of print media, with the Press Sewa Portal enabling a fully digital, paperless system.
  • Press Sewa Portal is a major digital reform under PRGI.
• Press Council of India (PCI): Autonomous body under the Press Council Act, 1978. It handles complaints on press freedom violations and enforces Norms of Journalistic Conduct.
  • PCI in 2023 released guidelines for reporting on natural disasters
• Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Act, 2023: Modernizes colonial-era law, introducing online registration.
  • Fully digitises title allotment and registration of periodicals.
• Institutions & Schemes: Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) (1965) provides training and capacity building.
• Journalist Welfare Scheme (2001, revised in 2019) offers financial support to journalists and families in hardship.

 Way Ahead

• India’s media sector, vital to democracy and global culture, must evolve responsibly to sustain growth and credibility. 
• This requires balanced regulation that protects freedom while addressing digital challenges, stronger safeguards for press independence, and support for digital adaptation with fair compensation. 
• Building capacity in training, cybersecurity, and ethical journalism is essential, alongside leveraging India’s strengths in content creation, animation, and VFX for global positioning.

Sources:PIB