National Press Day
Every year, the National Press Day is celebrated on November 16. The day is celebrated to honour the Press Council of India (PCI). The PCI is a statutory and quasi-judicial body. It is celebrated to mark the presence of responsible and independent press in the country.
Why is important to celebrate National Press Day?
It is essential to celebrate National Press Day because, media is the fourth pillar of democracy. The journalists are the mirror of the society. They bring out the truth even during adverse circumstances.
What is the history of National Press Day?
The first Press Commission of India was formed in 1956. The main aim of the committee was to protect the ethics of journalism. After ten years, it led to the formation of Press Council. The Press Council monitors journalistic activities and protect their credibility. Also, the PCI plays an important role in maintaining a healthy democracy. The PCI ensures that the press in the country is not affected by external factors.
Why is National Press Day celebrated on November 16?
The PCI was formed on November 16, 1966. The National Press Day is celebrated to mark the formation PCI. The PCI is the moral watchdog that ensures that the journalists are not driven by influence or external factors.
What is the theme of National Press Day, 2021?
The theme of National Press Day 2021 is as follows:
Theme: Who is not Afraid of Media?
What are the duties and responsibilities of Press Council of India?
The Press Council of India was established under the Press Council Act, 1978. The PCI enjoys statutory and quasi – judicial powers. It safeguards the press freedom in the country. It is governed by a chairman and 28 other members. Usually, a retired Supreme Court Judge is appointed as the chairman of the PCI. Of the 28 members, 20 are from media and are nominated by television channels and newspapers. From the rest eight members, five are from Rajya Sabha o Lok Sabha. The rest three are from University of Grant Commission, Sahitya Academy and Bar Council of India. That is, among the three members one is from cultural background, one from legal and one from literature background.
