In a significant development, a national-level seminar organized by the Indian Journalists’ Union (IJU) saw journalists and experts coming together to deliberate on the challenges faced by media professionals on a daily basis. The participants at the seminar strongly advocated the need for a central law to safeguard “truth-seeking journalists” and take stern action against those involved in propagating fake news.
The seminar, which was attended by IJU representatives from various states and Union Territories, witnessed a unanimous call for the establishment of a media commission, a demand that has been long-standing. Participants pointed out that although the Press Council of India holds a strong constitutional position, it lacks the authority and enforcement mechanisms of a commission.
Seminar coordinator and former IJU president, S N Sinha, stated, “The Indian Journalists’ Union organized a national-level seminar to deliberate on the challenges that are confronting the media at all levels on a daily basis and how to bring them within the ambit of the law to protect truth-seeking journalists and censure fake and paid news peddlers.”
During the intensive three-hour session, participants discussed a wide range of challenges facing the media industry, encompassing print, electronic, and social media. Key areas of concern included the protection of genuine journalists from harassment, intimidation, and violence, as well as their financial well-being.
Sinha further elaborated, “The seminar deliberated on the enactment of a media protection act and the constitution of a media commission.”
Addressing the event, IJU president Srinivas Reddy highlighted the current state of affairs in the media industry and expressed his support for the demand to establish a media commission. Reddy pointed out that the model media commission proposed by former Press Council of India chairman P B Sawant has been awaiting government action for a significant period.
Speaking at the seminar, Sinha underscored the IJU’s longstanding commitment to defending press freedom and journalists’ rights, emphasizing their current endeavors in advocating for the enactment of a media protection act and the formation of a media commission to enforce it.
Prominent legal figures, Supreme Court lawyer Rakesh Khanna and IPS officer-turned-rights activist Amod Kanth, extended their support to the IJU’s demands. Kanth cited examples from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and even Pakistan, where protective laws for journalists have been enacted. He emphasized the importance of the Media Protection Act in Pakistan, highlighting provisions related to source protection, freedom from undue restrictions, and safeguards for reputation and privacy.
Kanth suggested that India could draw inspiration from such legal frameworks to ensure the safety and security of journalists while upholding their rights and responsibilities.
The call for a central law to safeguard journalists and combat the menace of fake news is gaining momentum, with advocates, legal experts, and the media fraternity uniting to address the pressing issues faced by the industry.
The seminar’s discussions serve as a notable step forward in the quest for greater legal protection for journalists and a concerted effort to maintain the integrity of journalism in India.
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