Shri Justice C.K. Prasad, Chairman, Press Council of India,
Shri C Krishna Prasad, Press Council Member,
Shri Santhosh Kumar, General Convenor, Organising Committee
Shri Basheer Madala, Convenor, Organising Committee
Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,
It gives me great joy to inaugurate this Seminar on Ethical Journalism - Role of the Press Council, organized jointly by the Kerala Journalists Union and the Press Council of India.
Let me at the outset, congratulate the organizers on the choice of this topic, at a time when the Press Council of India is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. The topic also has great relevance in the context of an unprecedented increase in the violation of ethical practices in journalism.
As we all know, the Freedom of the Press is universally regarded as a corner stone of democracy. In India, the Legislature and the Judiciary have been empowered by the Constitution to step in whenever necessary, but the Press, which is regarded as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy does not enjoy such a provision. However, our Constitution guarantees Freedom of the Press by implication, as part of the right of every citizen to express his or her views freely.
Today, the civil society all over the world stands up for the freedom of the Press and therefore, the Press has a responsibility to prove to be worthy of this trust. It is here that we emphasize the need for ethical practices in journalism.
We all know that one of the mandates of the Press Council of India, which seeks to ensure freedom of the Press, is to set a code of conduct for media and journalists in accordance with high professional standards. While protecting the freedom of the Press, the Council also has the duty to ensure adherence to high standards of public taste. It also handles issues related to ownership, functional relations in the media and so on. However, the essential role of the Press Council is in being a mechanism for the Press to regulate itself, because, as Gandhiji observed, though an uncontrolled pen serves but to destroy, it is better to have control from within the system rather than from outside. Thus, our Press Council has set some Ethical standards which insist on honesty and fairness, factual and objective presentation, providing an opportunity to reply to critical opinions, respect for privacy, duty to distinguish between facts and opinion, duty not to discriminate or to inflame hatred etc.
Ethics should be the core of any profession. Ethical Journalism is not only about what kind of news is been broadcasted or published but also the manner in which the news is conveyed to the viewers. The ethics of journalism have many aspects: professional norms, good manners and politeness. Moreover, there are hundreds of codes of conduct, charters and statements made by media and professional groups outlining the principles, values and obligations of the craft of journalism. Self-regulation is a unique trait of Press Council of India, which is widely acknowledged and applauded by all.
Self-regulation is a solemn promise by quality-conscious journalists and media to correct their mistakes and to make themselves accountable to the public. Ever since its inception in 1966, the Press Council has stood sturdy in all kinds of hostile environment and discharged its duties dutifully. My humble greetings to all members of the journalist family for your effortless service to humankind.
India is a vast country with diverse languages, religion & culture and a shinning example of unity in diversity. So is reflected in the press and media. It is truism that media is the mirror of society and reflects the contemporary needs and aspirations. But equally it is also a trendsetter and has its own impact on all the above. Recognizing your pivotal role, you must always be mindful of every act you commit.
As the judge who heard the case and gave the verdict pertaining to the implementation of the “Majithia Wage Board recommendations,” I had an opportunity to study the Media scene at close quarters. The periodic wage revision and other facilities for Journalists should be carried out to ensure that media-persons can live in dignity and perform their work fearlessly and independently.
In spite of the stunning growth of media and the resultant 'information overload', crucial issues of “poverty” and “deprivation” still remain ignored, when it is widely recognized that a free and fair Press can help in social development.
Equally worrying is the quality of the new values that are being thrust upon our mass-mediated society, especially by the electronic and the social media. Soap operas that advocate violence and moral degradation, political trolls that portray people through unjust sarcasm, often amounting to defamation and the increasing obscenity in the use of language have become major social issues.
Media freedom also has to be viewed in the context of social media beating almost every other medium in reaching large audiences. Today, each individual owns a medium, thanks to free access to social media. There is almost no regulation, no control. Even the threat of invoking cyber laws does not prevent people from spreading unfounded news and opinions about people and events. The irresponsible use of the social media deserves the attention of bodies like the Press Council, since the traditional media are also active on the social media.
All these instances point to the inadequacy of self-regulation as a means to address the complex problems that affect our media today. It is true that the Press Council of India enjoys statutory status with compulsive jurisdiction on all newspapers, but its actions and references have not been able to curb the undesirable trends that plague the media. I feel that the Press Council needs to be empowered with punitive powers that would be a deterrent in such cases.
Besides, the Press Council needs to widen its range by bringing broadcast and social media also under it. Therefore, we should think of a Media Council that can check violations of ethical practices through stronger measures. The council's role also should widen to the level of educating society on the provisions for redressing of grievances caused by unethical media practices. At present, the people affected by such practices do not respond mainly because they feel it beyond their means to confront a media giant.
I would also suggest that the Council evolve a better mechanism to openly recognize the success of Media units in their informational and their developmental roles by highlighting them for the benefit of society. At present we have awards for excellence in journalism, but, we need to make the Media houses compete in being models of ethical journalistic practices. Ethical practices should come to be regarded as yardsticks that decide a media house’s existence in the business sphere.
To conclude I request my journalist friends to keep in mind that your first obligation is to the truth, loyalty to citizens. You must maintain an independence from those you cover. You should strive to make your product significant, interesting and relevant.
I also take this opportunity to thank the journalistic fraternity in India for the positive role you continue to play in society, especially in promoting and defending the ideals of freedom and just governance. I have no doubt that media has a multidimensional role to play in the promotion of society’s values and virtues as well as in the dispensation of justice. However, with the advent of twenty-four hour satellite news channels, Internet and blogs etc. the task before today’s media person is more demanding. Never allow the market force to determine the news. Remember, journalism’s first obligation is to the truth and its first loyalty is to citizens.
I hope that the ensuing discussions would put forward suggestions that would help the Press Council perform its role more efficiently.
I compliment the Kerala Journalists Union for conducting this meeting in a befitting manner. I greet all the delegates and wish them a fruitful discussion.
Ellaavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
