National Press Day 2023 Held With The Theme ‘Media In The Era Of AI’

‘National Press Day’ is celebrated every year on 16 November to commemorate the free and responsible press. On 16 November 1966, the Press Council of India started functioning as an ethical watchdog to ensure that the press maintains high standards and is not influenced by any influence or threats.

The theme of National Press Day 2023:

• The National Press Day 2023 theme is "Media in the Era of Artificial Intelligence".

Background of National Press Day:

• The first Press Commission, while recommending the establishment of a Press Council in 1956, had concluded that the best way to maintain professional ethics in journalism would be to bring into existence a body with statutory authority. In which there would be mainly people associated with the industry, whose duty would be to mediate.
• To fulfill this objective, the Press Council of India was established on November 16, 1966.
• Therefore, November 16 is a symbol of a responsible and free press in the country. All those who cherish it, therefore remember this day.
• Apart from the programme, National Awards for Excellence in Journalism will be presented and a souvenir will be released on the occasion.
• Since the year 1997, the Council has celebrated the day in a significant manner through seminars with relevant topics.

Freedom of Press:

• Freedom of the press is a fundamental principle that motivates journalists and media organizations to work without censorship or government interference. Freedom of the press is a key component of freedom of expression and is essential for a democratic society.

Steps taken by the government to promote independent journalism:

• The World Press Freedom Index ranks countries and territories according to the level of freedom available to journalists.
• It has been published every year by 'Reporters Without Borders' since 2002.
• In the year 2023, India was ranked 161st among 180 countries with a score of 36.62 out of 100. Whereas in the year 2022, India's rank was 150.

Press freedom enshrined in Indian Constitution as a fundamental right:

• However, freedom of the press is not mentioned in the Constitution. Yet the freedom of the press or media is rooted in the right to freedom of speech and expression granted by the Constitution of India under Article 19(1)(a).
• It encourages independent journalism and promotes democracy by giving people the opportunity to express their opinions for or against the actions of the government.

According to Article 19, every person has the right to freedom of thought and expression.