National Journalism Day is observed on 17th November every year in India. This is a day to recognise all the journalists out there who work fearlessly and relentlessly to bring all the information to us. But what is the first thought that comes into your mind when you hear the word ‘journalism’? Have you ever wondered how this term came into existence? Which was the first newspaper that came out and voiced people’s opinions? Well, in this blog we will delve into the heart of journalism and learn all about the word ‘journalism’. If you wish to know more about this day, then read this blog.
Table of Contents
Evolution of Journalism
The presence of newspapers in 1556 was always there in Goa, even before the colonial rule of the Britishers began. However, soon the emergence of the free press was marked by the establishment of the the newspaper, The Bengal Gazette. It was founded by James Augustus Hickey in 1780. Back then, newspapers were designed to criticise the anti-Indian policies of the British government and highlight the misconduct of its officers.
During that period, many freedom fighters came up with the establishment of their newspapers. Some of these include:
- To overcome the issue of illiteracy in India, Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded Kesari in Marathi and Mahratta in English.
- Dadabhai Naoroji spoke against the colonial rule. For this, he too came up with his newspaper known as The Grand Old Man of India.
- In 1932, Shri Ramnath Goenka founded the Indian Express and gave India a voice of opinion.
On this National Journalism Day, let’s understand that over the years, this form of journalism (newspapers) created a huge impact on the people of India.
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Role of Journalism in Society
One of the main roles of journalism is to provide people with important information. It plays a huge role in democratic societies.
Journalism is known to play the role of a ‘public watchdog,’ by monitoring the political parties and making sure that the politicians respect the will of the people.
A free press is crucial because without it, voters will not be informed of crucial information and the media might not be able to cover events honestly. On the other hand, the opinions and concerns of regular people might not be heard if the media were prohibited from promoting free and open discourse.
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What is the Press Council of India?
The Press Council of India (PCI) acts as a watchdog. The credibility of journalism in India depends on this regulatory organisation. Speaking of which, let’s examine a few of the Press Council of India’s primary responsibilities.
- The PCI is responsible for setting up ethical guidelines and standards which journalists and media organisations follow. These guidelines are based on accuracy, fairness, responsible reporting and much more.
- The Press Council of India keeps an eye on media and evaluates news, editorials, and other items. This is to check that there is a fit between professionalism and ethics. This supervision contributes to the credibility and calibre of journalism.
- The PCI provides training sessions, seminars, and workshops to improve the knowledge and abilities of journalists.
- The main role of the PCI is to handle public complaints against the media.
Important Facts of Journalism
Here are some of the important facts about journalism which you should know about:
- To maintain democracy, journalism is necessary. The successful operation of a democratic society depends on a free and independent press. Journalists are essential in educating the public about significant problems and happenings as well as in holding the powerful accountable.
- The journalism industry is ever-changing. The media environment is evolving quickly, and journalists must continually adjust to new platforms and technologies.
- Journalists challenge powerful individuals, including members of the government, pointedly. They look into and document misconduct as well.
- Journalism is an essential part of the society. Journalists play a vital role in informing the citizens about what is happening in the world.
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On National Journalism Day, let’s remember the unwavering commitment that journalists nationwide have shown to preserving the fundamental values of honesty, openness, and integrity.
In India, The Press Council of India safeguards journalistic ethics. On this day, let’s celebrate how the press is free and responsible. It also contributes to shaping our democracy and society.
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FAQs
A1. Every year, on 17 November, we value the freedom of expression, ideas, and morality as well as the influence of the media on the development of our society.
A2. Journalism is important as it provides accurate and trustworthy information on events, problems, and policies that impact citizens’ lives.
A3. Journalists are considered to be the backbone of any democracy. They are independent and professional.
We hope this blog provides you with all the relevant information about National Journalism Day. Keep reading our trending events blogs on Leverage Edu to stay informed about the news and important days in the world of education!