November 21, 2018:
National Press Day is celebrated on November 16 to commemorate the establishment of the Press Council of India.
Formed in 1966, the Press Council keeps a check on the quality of reportage provided by the Indian press. It also ensures that journalistic objectivity is not compromised due to "influence or threats of any extraneous factors."
India's ranking in press freedom has fallen two places to 138th position among 180 countries. According to the RSF ranking, physical violence against journalists is largely responsible for India's low ranking.
At least three journalists were murdered in connection with their work. More were killed in circumstances that were unclear, as is often the case in rural areas, where reporters are poorly paid.
Norway topped the list for having the world's freest press for the second year in a row, the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said, while North Korea remained the most repressive country followed by Eritrea, Turkmenistan, Syria & China.
Hate speech is also an issue in the continent's other giant, India, which has fallen another two places to the 138th spot. Ever since Narendra Modi became prime minister in 2014, Hindu fundamentalists have been dealing with journalists very violently.
The report said that any investigative reporting that annoys the ruling party or any criticism of Hindutva, elicits a torrent of online insults & calls for the death of the reporter or writer responsible, most of it coming from the prime minister's troll army. The RSF cited the case of the killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh who was shot down outside her house in Bengaluru in September last year.
Underlining that China's censorship & surveillance have reached unprecedented levels due to the massive use of new technology, the RSF said foreign reporters are finding it harder to work & ordinary citizens can now be jailed just for sharing content on a social network or during a private chat on a messaging service.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted media on National Press Day, which is commemorated every year on November 16, & appreciated their contribution to make India a democratic country. PM Narendra Modi also assured his government is committed to upholding freedom of press & expression in all forms. India celebrated the National Press Day on November 16 as the Press Council of India started functioning as a responsible body overlooking the works of the press as a whole body on this day.
“My greetings to all friends in the media on National Press Day. I appreciate the hardwork of our media, especially the reporters & camera-persons, who tirelessly work on the ground & bring forth various news that shapes national as well as global discourse,” PM Narendra Modi tweeted. “The role of the media in giving voice to the voiceless is commendable. Over the last three years, the media has added great strength to ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ & effectively furthered the message of cleanliness,” he wrote.
The Prime Minister said the rise of social media will make the press more democratic & increase the public participation. “In this day & age we are seeing the rise of social media & news being consumed through mobile phones. I am sure these advancements will further the reach of the media & make the media space even more democratic & participative,” he stated.
Assuring the press that the freedom of speech will be protected by his government, PM Modi said, “A free press is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. We are fully committed to upholding freedom of press & expression in all forms. May our media space be used more & more to showcase the skills, strengths & creativity of 125 crore Indians.”
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