National Press Day: I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlights media’s role in preserving democracy

By  News On Air   Nov 16, 2024

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today highlighted media’s role in preserving democracy. Delivering the keynote address virtually at National Press Day event in New Delhi, Mr Vaishnaw said press played a major role in the freedom struggle and during the Emergency. The Minister expressed concern that paid news has emerged as a huge threat to society. He said consumption is rapidly shifting from traditional media to digital media. He also cited fair compensation, algorithmic bias of digital platforms and Artificial Intelligence as challenges being faced.

The Information and Broadcasting Minister said that in a country as diverse as India, misinformation can have serious consequences. Speaking on the occasion virtually, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan said journalism is the fourth pillar of democracy. He said fake news is a major concern today. Dr Murugan praised the PIB Fact Check Unit for checking the authentication of news and articles.

In his speech, Secretary, Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju said Indian media has been a great ambassador of national unity and a huge source of India’s soft power. He also highlighted government initiatives to support media.

AIR correspondent reports that National Press Day is celebrated on the 16th of November every year. This was the day on which the Press Council of India started functioning.