The need for a national media council, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• A recent crackdown on freelance journalists during Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests on October 10 sparked a debate on journalist recognition.
• Only journalists with Press Information Bureau (PIB) or Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) accreditation were permitted to cover the protests.
• The Supreme Court, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), questioned whether every citizen has the right to be a journalist.
• The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, defines a working journalist based on employment in media.
• A National Media Council is proposed as a solution for universal recognition of journalists, similar to professional bodies for lawyers or chartered accountants.

Detailed Insights:

• The October 10 protests, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, led to the detention of many independent journalists.
• The Supreme Court bench, comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, expressed concerns about the implications if everyone claims to be a journalist.
• Senior advocate Indira Jaisingh advocated for a national protocol to prevent police obstruction of accredited journalists' professional work.
• Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted the issue of individuals misrepresenting themselves as journalists for social media popularity and sensationalism.
• Government accreditation by PIB and DIP has limitations, including quotas based on media reach, leaving many working journalists unaccredited.
• The proposed National Media Council could mandate journalism degrees or diplomas for licensing, akin to legal or medical professions.
• The Press Club of India previously drafted a Media Transparency (and Accountability) Bill advocating for such a council.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Working Journalist: Defined by the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, as someone whose principal avocation is journalism and is employed in media.
• Accreditation: Official recognition by bodies like PIB or DIP, granting journalists access to designated official sources of information.
• Public Interest Litigation (PIL): Legal action initiated in a court of law for the protection of public interest, often concerning fundamental rights.
• National Media Council: A proposed regulatory body to recognize and license all working journalists, similar to professional councils like the Bar Council of India.