Udaipur, November 16, 2024 - Today is National Press Day in India. National Press Day is celebrated to uphold the values of a free and responsible press in a democracy. It celebrates the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) in 1966, a statutory body or the watchdog of press freedom in the country. The PCI ensures freedom of the press while maintaining ethical standards in journalism.

The day highlights the critical role of a free, fair and responsible press in a democratic society. The day is marked by events, discussions and awards ceremonies which are often organised to acknowledge the contributions of journalists and media organisations in upholding press freedom and ethical reporting. Seminars and workshops are organised on this day to raise awareness on the issues faced by the Indian press.

PCI was established in 1966 on July 4 as an autonomous, statutory quasi-judicial body. It started functioning from November 16.

Every year the theme for National Press Day is different. This year it is Changing Nature of the Press thus revealing the evolving dynamics of the press landscape.