National Press Day 2024: Celebrating Press Freedom and Addressing Media Challenges

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Press Council of India?
• Key highlights of the speech by the Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
• Other highlights

Why in News?

• The Press Council of India celebrated National Press Day 2024 at the National Media Centre, New Delhi.
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing the event virtually as the chief guest, highlighted India’s vibrant media ecosystem, comprising 35,000 registered newspapers, numerous news channels, and advanced digital infrastructure.
• He emphasized how investments in 4G and 5G networks have positioned India as a global leader in digital connectivity with the lowest data prices worldwide.

What is Press Council of India (PCI)?

• About
  • The PCI is a statutory, autonomous, quasi-judicial body established under the Press Council Act of 1978.
  • It was established to preserve press freedom and maintain high standards of journalism in India.
  • It acts as a watchdog of the press, ensuring accountability while safeguarding the independence of media.
• Functions
  • Preserving Press Freedom: Protects the press from external influences or government interference.
  • Maintaining Standards: Promotes ethical journalism by formulating guidelines and ensuring adherence to journalistic ethics.
  • Resolving Complaints: Investigates complaints against and by the press, addressing issues like defamation, biased reporting, or unethical practices.
  • Advisory Role: Advises the government on matters affecting media freedom and development.
• Structure
  • Chairperson: A retired Supreme Court judge appointed by a committee comprising the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and a person elected by the members of the Council.
  • Members: Includes representatives of newspapers, media organizations, and the public. The council represents diverse sections of media and civil society.
• Powers
  • Quasi-Judicial Authority: Can summon parties, demand evidence, and investigate complaints but lacks penal powers.
  • Advisory Capacity: Makes recommendations to the government and stakeholders on policy matters.
  • Regulatory Role: Issues guidelines for maintaining ethical journalistic practices.
• Criticism
  • Lack of Enforcement Powers: Critics argue that the PCI’s inability to impose penalties limits its effectiveness. For example, despite several guidelines, sensationalism and paid news persist.
  • Exclusion of Digital Media: The PCI’s jurisdiction is limited to print media, leaving the rapidly growing digital media unregulated.
  • Perceived Bias: Accusations of partiality arise, especially in politically sensitive cases. For instance, the council has been criticized for its muted response to issues of media polarization.
  • Ineffectiveness: Critics argue the council’s recommendations are often ignored, reducing its impact as a regulatory authority.

Key highlights of the speech delivered by the Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

• Highlighted Four Key Challenges in the Evolving Media Landscape
  • Fake News and Disinformation
    • Union Minister underscored the dangers of fake news in undermining trust and democracy.
    • He questioned the relevance of the “Safe Harbor” provision, which grants immunity to digital platforms for user-generated content.
    • He emphasized the need for accountability frameworks tailored to India’s complex societal context to combat misinformation and safeguard the social fabric.
  • Fair Compensation for Content Creators
    • He highlighted the financial struggles of traditional media due to the shift to digital platforms.
    • He called for fair compensation for conventional media outlets, which invest heavily in journalistic processes, to address the imbalance in bargaining power between traditional and digital platforms.
  • Algorithmic Bias
    • The Minister raised concerns over algorithms on digital platforms that amplify sensational and divisive content to maximize engagement.
    • He urged platforms to address the social consequences of such biases, especially in a diverse country like India, and adopt responsible solutions to mitigate their impact.
  • Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Rights
    • Vaishnaw highlighted the ethical and economic challenges posed by AI systems that use original creators’ work to train models.
    • He stressed the need to safeguard intellectual property rights and ensure creators are recognized and fairly compensated for their contributions, framing the issue as both economic and ethical.

Other highlights

• Government Efforts Against Misinformation
  • Fact Check Unit under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) have been launched to counter false narratives and authenticate news.
  • These measures reinforce the government’s commitment to combating misinformation in the digital era.
• Supporting Journalists Through Policy Reforms
  • The other participants detailed government schemes for journalist welfare, including accreditation, health programs, and capacity building via the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC).
  • They highlighted reforms like the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, which modernizes media regulations.

Q.1. What challenges did Ashwini Vaishnaw highlight during National Press Day 2024?

The minister emphasized fake news, algorithmic bias, fair compensation for traditional media, and intellectual property rights in AI-generated content. These challenges threaten journalistic integrity, social trust, and creators’ rights in the digital age.

Q.2. What steps is the government taking to support journalists?

Government initiatives include journalist accreditation, welfare programs, and capacity building through institutions like IIMC. Reforms like the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, aim to modernize media regulations for a sustainable press ecosystem.

Source: Safe harbour clause for platforms needs a revisit, says Vaishnaw

PIB

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Press Council of India