Press Council and Press Commissions in India

 

In India, the Press Council and Press Commissions play important roles in regulating and overseeing the print media industry, ensuring the freedom of the press while also maintaining ethical standards. Here's an overview of both:

  1. Press Council of India (PCI):
    • The Press Council of India is a statutory body established under the Press Council Act of 1978.
    • Its primary objective is to preserve the freedom of the press and maintain high standards of journalism in India.
    • The PCI consists of a Chairman and 28 other members, including journalists, editors, and media professionals.
    • It adjudicates complaints against the print media for violation of journalistic ethics and professional misconduct.
    • The PCI can warn, censure, admonish, or even disapprove of the conduct of a newspaper, news agency, or journalist found guilty of misconduct.
    • It also formulates guidelines and standards for journalistic conduct and ethics.
  2. Press Commissions:
    • Press Commissions are typically constituted by the government of India from time to time to study various aspects of the media industry and make recommendations for its improvement.
    • These commissions are temporary bodies appointed to investigate specific issues related to the media or journalism.
    • They are usually composed of experts, journalists, academics, and other stakeholders in the media sector.
    • The recommendations made by these commissions can be instrumental in shaping policies and regulations concerning the media.

One of the most notable Press Commissions in India was the First Press Commission, also known as the B.N. Tandon Commission, which was established in 1952. It made several recommendations on issues related to media ownership, freedom of the press, and ethical standards. Subsequent commissions have been appointed over the years to address evolving challenges and issues in the media landscape.

It's important to note that while the Press Council of India has a permanent status and the authority to address complaints and enforce ethical standards, Press Commissions are typically convened for specific investigative purposes and may not have a permanent existence.

These institutions, along with relevant laws and regulations, collectively help maintain a balance between press freedom and responsible journalism in India. They contribute to the ongoing discussion and evolution of media ethics and standards in the country.

 

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