November 16 is marked as National Press Day in India, commemorating the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) in 1966. This day serves as an important occasion to recognize and celebrate the vital role that the press plays in shaping public opinion and informing citizens about various issues and events within the country. In a democratic society like India, the press is often referred to as the “fourth pillar of democracy,” highlighting its crucial function in fostering transparency and accountability in governance. It has the power to hold the government accountable and disseminate news and information freely, ensuring that the voices of the public are heard and considered. Despite so many laws existing in the country for the benefits of the journalist the pathetic conditions of the working journalists is yet to be improved. Lakhs of print media workers are fighting for the implementation of the Majithia Wage Board Award which is applicable since November 11, 2011. The fear of the employers have forced the scribes to keep silent on the wages. Today the journalists are paid less than a “domestic helper.” The PCI was formed under the Press Council Act passed by Parliament to safeguard the freedom of the press, providing a framework to address grievances and uphold ethical journalism. This year’s theme for National Press Day is “changing nature of the press,” which invites a discourse on how advancements in technology and the rise of digital media are transforming journalism, affecting traditional news formats, and influencing the way information is consumed by the public. This theme encourages a reflection on the responsibilities of media professionals in an evolving landscape, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and credibility amidst the challenges posed by misinformation and sensationalism.
PATNA: On the occasion of National Press Day today, District Magistrate, Patna, Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh greeted all the distinguished officials, including the Additional Collector (Special Program), Additional Collector (Law and Order), District Public Relations Officer, and all other officials present, as well as journalists.
Dr Singh said, “First of all, I would like to wish all media colleagues a very Happy National Press Day. We are grateful to the Press Council of India, whose guidance and directives lead to the observance of this day. At least once a year, we come together to reflect, introspect, and evaluate ourselves in this manner. We listen to both sides—not just one side. You have detailed the work being done by the administration, and we are thankful to you for highlighting the positive actions of the administration. Your feedback is invaluable to us as it motivates us to improve further.”

“You are undoubtedly the fourth pillar of democracy, and there is no doubt about that. The word ‘media’ refers to a medium, and that medium is meant to convey accurate information and news to the public. This is also considered a right of the people. You, as the medium, play an extremely important role in ensuring that the public receives the right information. It is also your responsibility to bring to light the problems, difficulties, and issues that the public faces, and you perform this task well,” the DM said.

He said, “Many of our speakers have mentioned the significant role of the media in the freedom struggle. The circumstances and objectives of each era are different. During the freedom struggle, the goal was clear—freedom—and people fought together for it. In the changing circumstances since then, the objectives have also evolved. Today, we are part of a democratic system. Democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people. The three branches of government—executive, judiciary, and legislature—are all focused on empowering the public and promoting their welfare. Similarly, the media’s objective is to empower the people, alleviate their difficulties, and promote their welfare. If we look at the core objectives, they are the same for all of us, although the methods and means may differ. We are all complementary to one another; there is no contradiction.”

From the administration’s perspective he said, “We view your news as feedback. We do not expect the media to simply praise the administration. As critics and evaluators, your job is to highlight any shortcomings or flaws, and this criticism helps bring about improvements. When you bring attention to the problems faced by the public, solutions are found. Therefore, we do not want you to merely praise the district administration. Your feedback is always welcomed. We try to ensure that all information, whether in print, electronic, or digital media, reaches you in a timely manner, because we recognize that media competition is fierce today.”

The theme of today’s discussion— “Changing Nature of the Press” highlights that the nature of media, especially digital media, has undergone significant changes. In this context, there are a few key observations. First, the level of competition in the media is immense. There is no time to wait; there is no option to delay. We understand this and make every effort to ensure that information reaches you quickly, so your work can proceed smoothly and no misinformation spreads. Second, the speed of information flow has increased dramatically. The flow of news spreads very quickly through various mediums, he said.

He also said, “We are all complementary to each other. News spreads rapidly, so we all need to be more vigilant. The reach of media has expanded significantly, and one of the changes in this landscape is that it now reaches the grassroots level—thanks to social media and digital platforms. Today, even an individual can reach a vast audience. Regarding platforms like YouTube, it is necessary to establish ethical standards. There should be an orientation program for social media and other platforms. This should be easily accessible, and with the rise of online programs, it can be done effectively. Those interested can take part in such orientation programs to learn and understand the ethical guidelines.”

It is important that social media literacy is included in school curricula. Students should be educated about the significance of social media, their social responsibilities, how to react appropriately, and how to use social media in a responsible manner. This is the need of the hour. Occasionally, some individuals post inappropriate content on social media. A common person would not do this, but for such behavior, we need to include guidance in school syllabi about how to handle and respond to social media, and how to use it responsibly.

In the discussions that took place today, all relevant points have been covered, and we accept the suggestions you have provided for the administration. We will work on them and ensure that feedback from other offices and levels is conveyed to the government.
He further said, “It is important that the flow of information remains uninterrupted and that authentic facts reach the public. We are aware of the challenges you face, and we respect your hard work. We empathize with your situation and respond accordingly, understanding the mental and physical effort involved in your work. We acknowledge and appreciate your dedication. Once again, I wish you all the best on this occasion, and I thank you for your continuous support, especially for attending such events on short notice. On behalf of the district administration, I extend my heartfelt gratitude.”