National Press Day

Context: India celebrates 16th November as National Press Day every year.

About National Press Day

• It is observed in honour of the Press Council of India (PCI).
• The day is meant to mark the presence of the free and responsible press in India.
• Evolution of authority of maintaining the ethics of journalism:
  • First Press Commission, 1956: In the year 1956, the First Press Commission decided to form a body bestowed with statutory authority, meant to fulfill the responsibility of maintaining the ethics of journalism.
  • In 1966, on 16the November, the PCI was formed and following this, the National Press Day has been celebrated ever since on 16th November, every year to commemorate the establishment of the council.

About PCI: The PCI was established under the PCI Act of 1978 for the purpose of preserving the freedom of the press and of maintaining and improving the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India.

Chairperson & members:

• The Press Council of India is traditionally chaired by a retired Supreme Court Judge and 28 additional members of which 20 are members of the media outlets operating in India.
• Five members are nominated from the Houses of the Parliament and the remaining three represent cultural, legal and literary fields.

Responsibilities:

• The Press Council of India is responsible for examining the quality of reportage from the Indian media, while also keeping a check on other journalistic activities.

Functions:

• Helping newspapers maintain their independence;
• Build a code of conduct for journalists and news agencies;
• Help maintain “high standards of public taste” and foster responsibility among citizens; and
• Review developments likely to restrict flow of news.

Source: PIB