November 16 is observed to acknowledge and honor the Press Council of India, a statutory and quasi-judicial establishment. Press Council of India acts as a moral watchdog in ensuring that Indian journalists are not driven by any influence or external factors.
This year the Press Council Of India is celebrating this day on the theme ‘Role of Media during COVID-19 and its Impact on the Mediaâ€
Wishing the media on this day, politicians and celebrities took to social media to wish share their wishes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Media has been doing exceptional service by spreading awareness against COVID-19 and has acted as valuable stakeholder in helping government in its initiatives.
Greetings on #NationalPressDay. Our media fraternity is working tirelessly towards strengthening the foundations of our great nation. Modi govt is committed towards the freedom of Press and strongly oppose those who throttle it. I applaud Media’s remarkable role during COVID-19.0- Amit Shah.
In his written message on the occasion, the president also appreciated the Press Council of India which regulates the print media, “ endering its service for nearly 55 years, PCI has been the watchdog safeguarding the independence of the press while trying to ensure quality journalism. its role is important in the working of our democracy†Kovind said.
Why is National Press Day celebrated on November 16?
The First Press Commission 1956 envisioned a committee to protect the ethics of journalism and freedom of Press in India. The Commission led to the forming of a ‘Press Council’ nearly 10 years later, which started monitoring media groups from November 16, 1966.
