National Press Day is being celebrated across the country today to honour the essential role of a free and responsible press in society. It was on this day in 1966 that the Press Council of India began its operations as a moral watchdog to ensure that the press maintains high standards and is not unduly influenced or threatened.

The day not only celebrates the achievements of the press but also reinforces the responsibility it carries in building a more informed and transparent society.

The day is commemorated through various activities, including the National Awards for Excellence in Journalism and the release of a Souvenir.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwani Vaishnaw will address the celebrations of this year’s National Press Day in New Delhi today. The theme for this year’s event is “Changing Nature of the Press”, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the media landscape.

Press Council of India has played a vital role in safeguarding press freedom and maintaining ethical standards in journalism. It was first constituted on 4th July 1966 as an autonomous, statutory, quasi-judicial body. In 1965, the first Press Commission concluded that the best way to maintain professional ethics in journalism can be achieved by creating a statutory authority consisting of people mainly connected with the industry and can arbitrate the activities.

This led to the formation of the Press Council of India in 1966. Over the years, the Press Council of India has resolved a wide range of issues, including addressing complaints related to violations of press norms and threats to press freedom.

The Council has been instrumental in issuing guidelines and principles to help journalists regulate their conduct and has consistently appealed for media responsibility during times of national crisis. It has also conducted studies on key topics like election coverage, press reporting on defense, and the safety of journalists, contributing to the ongoing development of media standards in India.