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National Press Day – The 16th of November – is symbolic of a free and responsible press in India. This was the day on which the Press Council of India started functioning as a moral watchdog to ensure that not only did the press maintain the high standards expected from this powerful medium but also that it was not fettered by the influence or threats of any extraneous factors. Though there are several Press or Media Councils world over, the Press Council of India is a unique entity in as-much-as this is the only body to exercise an authority even over the instruments of the state in its duty to safeguard the independence of the press.
National Press Day: 16 November
Recommending the establishment of Press Council in 1956 the 1st Press Commission had concluded that the best way of maintaining professional ethics in journalism would be to bring into existence a body with statutory authority, of people principally connected with industry whose duty it would be to arbitrate. To this end the Press Council of India was established and the body that was evolved since November 16, 1966 has not belied the objective.
National Press Day: Date
National Press Day is celebrated every year on 16 November. The day marks the presence of an independent and responsible press in India.
- 2024: 16 November, 2024 [Saturday]
- 2025: 16 November, 2025 [Sunday]
- 2026: 16 November, 2026 [Saturday]
Theme:
- 2024: Changing Nature of the Press
- 2023: Representation of LGBTQ+ Community
- 2022: Wisdom and Virtue to all the Penholders
- 2021: Information as a Public Good
- 2020: A celebration of the power of the free press in the era of Artificial Intelligence
- 2019: Reporting to Interpretation – A Journey
Celebration:
National Press Day has observed across India on November 16. This day is observed on this day every year. PM Narendra Modi tweeted that he appreciates the hard work of media persons that shapes national and international discourse.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “A free press is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. We are fully committed to upholding freedom of press and expression in all forms. May our media space be used more and more to showcase the skills, strengths and creativity of 125 crore Indians.”
About National Press Day:
- National Press Day is celebrated every year on 16 November. The day marks the presence of an independent and responsible press in India.
- The media is called the fourth pillar of democracy. It is said that journalists are a mirror of society, which brings out the truth even in adverse circumstances.
- This day symbolizes freedom of the press and its responsibilities towards the society. The Press Council of India started functioning on this day.
- Today, around 50 countries in the world have the Press Council or Media Council.
- The Press Council of India is an autonomous body to exercise authority even over the instruments of the state in its duty to safeguard the independence of the press.
Why on November 16?
The First Press Commission (in 1956) had envisioned a ‘Press Council’ to protect freedom of the press in India and a higher ideal in journalism. After that, the Press Council was established on 4 July 1966 in India which started its work from 16 November 1966. From that day, November 16 is celebrated as National Press Day every year.
Press Council of India:
It was established on November 16, 1966. It is a statutory and quasi-judicial institution. The Press Council of India ensures the independent work and high standards of the press in India. It also ensures that the press in India is not affected by any external matter. The Press Council of India plays an important role to maintain a healthy democracy in the country.
