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November 16, 2024 09:30
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National Press Day 2024 will be observed on November 16, 2024. Learn more about the National Press Day 2024 theme, history, and its significance.
National Press Day, observed annually on November 16, celebrates the freedom of the press in India and acknowledges the critical role journalists play in a democratic society. It serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities of the press while emphasizing its importance in shaping public opinion and holding power accountable.
National Press Day commemorates the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) on November 16, 1966. The PCI acts as a moral watchdog to ensure the press maintains high standards of freedom and ethics without external interference. This day celebrates the press’s autonomy and responsibility, highlighting its essential role in safeguarding democracy.
| National Press Day 2024 Overview | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Date | November 16, 2024 |
| Significance | Celebrates press freedom and accountability in India |
| Established by | Press Council of India (PCI), 1966 |
| Theme for 2024 | Changing Nature of the Press |
| Objective | To emphasize the importance of free, fair, and responsible journalism |
| Historical Context | Reflects on the press’s role in India’s independence and its contribution to democracy |
Press Council of India (PCI)The Press Council of India (PCI), reestablished in 1979 under the Press Council Act, 1978, aims to preserve press freedom and maintain high standards in Indian journalism. Comprising a Chairman and 28 members, it includes representatives from journalists, media owners, Parliament, and academic bodies. The PCI ensures ethical practices in journalism, develops a code of conduct, and reviews complaints related to press violations. It also plays an advisory role in matters concerning press legislation. Funded by government grants and fees from newspapers, its decisions are final and cannot be challenged in court. |
The theme for National Press Day 2024 is “Changing Nature of the Press”, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the media landscape.
The Indian press has a rich and diverse history, deeply intertwined with the country’s socio-political evolution. From its inception during colonial times to its role in the freedom struggle and beyond, the press has been a cornerstone of India’s democracy.
| Milestone | Details |
| First Newspaper in India | Hicky’s Bengal Gazette (1780), by James Augustus Hicky. |
| Father of the Indian Press | James Augustus Hicky, for pioneering journalism in India. |
| First Hindi Newspaper | Udant Martand (1826), started by Pt. Jugal Kishore Shukla. |
| Press Role in Freedom Struggle | Voices like Kesari by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Young India by Mahatma Gandhi mobilized the masses. |
During the Indian freedom struggle, the press played an instrumental role in raising awareness and mobilizing the masses against British rule. Key contributions include:
Freedom of the press is not explicitly mentioned in the Indian Constitution but is derived from Article 19(1)(a), which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression. However, this freedom comes with reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) to prevent misuse.
Key Aspects:
Here are a few landmark cases related to Freedom of Press in India:
The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act 2023 replaced the Press and Registration of Books Act, of 1867, modernizing regulations for the digital era. Here are the impacts of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act 2023:
Click to know more about: Press And Registration Of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023
The World Press Freedom Index 2024, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ranks countries based on press freedom. India improved slightly in its ranking, moving from 161st in 2023 to 159th in 2024, but its score dropped from 36.62 to 31.28. RSF highlights threats to press freedom in India, including detentions of journalists and restrictive laws like the Telecommunications Act 2023. Globally, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden remain the top three, while Eritrea and Syria are at the bottom.
Click to Know More about: World Press Freedom Index 2024
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