By – Sanasam Darius,
Gauhati University, Jalukbari
In Indian Constitution, the right to Press was interested in Freedom of Speech and Expression.A Free Press is the need for any Democratic Setup and becomes much more significant for a Large Nation like India with its diversity. In case of Constitutional Provision regarding Freedom of Press in not directly given and hence Press Freedom is in some way endorsed and protected by the Judiciary. Indian media consists of several types of apparatus: Television, radio, cinema, newspapers, magazines, and online bases website/ portal.Modern Indian Media came to its existence during the 18th Century, Print Media made landmark in 1780, radio in 1927. And, in 2009, India ranked among top 4th largest in Television broadcast (Stations) in the World with nearly 1400 stations.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is the Formal Branch of the government which functions as the apex body to formulate rules, regulations and laws relating to broadcast, Press, Films. Currently, Anurag Singh Thakur is in charge as the minister along with L. Murugan (MOs) and Apoorva Chandra (Civil) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
For Broadcast, the Indian Government introduced PrasarBharati through PrasarBharati Act of 1990 and came in affect in 1997. This Organisation takes the Central role to disseminate information through Radio and Television broadcast and hence India hasAakashvani for radio broadcast and Doordarshan for Television broadcast.
PrasarBharati is headed by Chairman: (currently Vacant) along with one CEO, one Finance in-charge and 6 part time appointees. Both Aakashvani and Doordarshan are headed by Director in-charge General: N. Venudhar Reddy &Mayank K. Agarwal respectively.
For Advertising and Publicity, Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (1955) which later on merged with Directorate of field Publicity, Songs &Drama division to be renamed as Bureau of Outreach and Communication in 2017 is the Government’s Nodal Agency. Currently, SatyendraPrakash is the Principal Director General and 3 Additional Director General leads the organisation.
The Office of the Registrar Newspapers (RNI) formed on 1st July, 1956. The First Press Commision of 1953 amended Press & Registration of Books Act of 1867 to establish RNI which is the Government’s Statutory body responsible for registration of various publications: newspapers, magazines,etc. DhirendraOjha is the current Press Registrar and RinaSonowal is the Additional Press Registrar.
For Public and Media relations, the Government’s Nodal Agency is the Press Information Bureau established in 1919 and its Principal Director General is JaideepBhatnagar.
The Press Council of India, established in 1966 operates under the PCI Act of 1978 is the statutory, adjudicating & self-regulatory body which is officially in existence to preserve freedom of the Press and for maintaining, improving the standards of newspapers and news agency in India. For a 3 years term,it is headed by a judiciary representative who takes office as the Chairperson, followed by one secretary and 28 additional members (20 from Media Industry, 5 from either of the Parliament, 1 from ShahityaAkademi, 1 from UGC & 1 from Bar Council). Currently, Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad is the Chairman who took office from 2021.
There is no surprise to state that no industry has grown, extended or succeeded as Media in the present time. By exercising the freedom of speech and expression, media in developed countries play an important role in their society. In India, media has developed and emerged as a very powerful and influential tool in most matters. Media is the mirror of the society, and how democratic a society is can be represented by the status of its media. Media’s role as a watchdog can promote: transparency,public scrutiny of those in power, uncover scandals in corporate & public sectors, and many more. In a democratic set-up, the media functions as an agenda setter, providing information about urgent social problems. The importance is even more critical during election times as fair access to the airwaves by opposition parties, candidates and groups is essential for a competitive, free and fair election.
India is the largest democracy in the World and it is widely accepted that media has a powerful presence in the country. Though, media has played the role of watchdog of the government, a lot still needs to be done. India is ranked 142nd in the 2021 RSF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX. Media should take utmost care in aiding or publishing ‘truth’ in their news. It is a mirror of the society and powerful tool in implementing laws. When there is information, there is enlightenment.
#Sanasam Darius is pursuing MA in communication and journalism at Gauhati University
