Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Assam & Telangana Mark National Press Day; Call for Independent Press Council
In Assam and Telangana, people who work in journalism had special events to talk about how important it is to have accurate news.
They discussed how to stop fake news from spreading and how to keep journalists safe.
In Telangana, a senior journalist said there should be a special group to protect the freedom of the press and make sure journalists are treated fairly.
He also said the government should make rules for social media to stop people from spreading lies.
Assam observed National Press Day with events focusing on combating misinformation and safeguarding press credibility.
Guwahati Press Club announced a year-long fellowship scheme for in-depth reporting.
Senior editor Devulapalli Amar emphasized the need for an independent Press Council in Telangana.
Amar called for stronger government action to ensure journalist safety and proposed restructuring the Press Council of India.
Representatives of Journalist Associations in Telangana offered suggestions for improving journalist welfare.
- Who
- Journalists, press clubs, media houses, district administrations, and journalist associations in Assam and Telangana.
- What
- Observation of National Press Day with events focusing on safeguarding press credibility, journalist safety, and responsible journalism.
- When
- Sunday, November 16
- Where
- Assam (Guwahati and Nalbari), Telangana (Hyderabad)
- Why
- To reflect on the role of the press, address challenges like misinformation, lack of support, and attacks on journalists, and promote responsible journalism.
Concerns Raised by Journalists and Speakers
Stated Importance and Initiatives for Press
Credibility and Security of Journalists
Concerns Raised by Journalists and Speakers
Senior journalists and speakers expressed concerns about the lack of institutional support for journalists, questioning if National Press Day remains merely symbolic and if enough is being done for their safety and economic security.
Stated Importance and Initiatives for Press
National Press Day is observed to recognize the vital democratic role of the press and to maintain press freedom and improve journalistic standards. Initiatives like a year-long fellowship scheme for in-depth reporting were announced.
The Impact of Misinformation and Haste
Concerns Raised by Journalists and Speakers
Speakers warned that misreporting harms the entire media ecosystem and that news must be grounded in truth, not TRP-driven haste. There's a strong emphasis on relying on field verification and accurate, research-based journalism.
Stated Importance and Initiatives for Press
The theme of the day focused on 'Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation,' highlighting the ongoing challenges the media faces in maintaining trust and accuracy.
Government Interference and Regulation
Concerns Raised by Journalists and Speakers
Senior editor Devulapalli Amar called for an independent Press Council free from government interference and proposed restructuring the Press Council of India into a broader 'Media Council of India' with active participation from media institutions, journalist unions, state governments, and academies.
Stated Importance and Initiatives for Press
Government representatives acknowledged the importance of press freedom and responsibility but did not directly address the call for an independent Press Council.
- National Press Day Theme
- Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation
- National Press Day Observation Date
- Sunday, November 16
- Guwahati Press Club Initiative
- Year-long fellowship scheme for 10 journalists across 10 thematic categories, with Rs 50,000 each for in-depth reporting.
- Senior Editor's Proposal
- Establishment of an independent Press Council or Media Council of India to safeguard media freedom and accountability.
- Primary Concerns Highlighted
- Press freedom, misinformation, journalist credibility, safety, economic security, and attacks on journalists.
Sources
Knowledge Nugget | National Press Day and India’s 2025 Press Freedom Standing: A must-know for UPSC Exam
National Press Day: Assam journalists raise alarm over misinformation, press freedom
Kharge Extends Greetings on National Press Day, Says Media Must Uphold Courage, Integrity, and Independence
