SHIMLA/DELHI: National Press Day 2024 witnessed a series of speeches lauding journalistic ethics and addressing challenges like AI and digital disruptions.

 However, the reality on the ground remains bleak in the country, especially for journalists in Himachal Pradesh.  

Pandemic Left Journalists Struggling  

The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to journalists  and workers in the hospitality trade. Many lost their jobs, with retrenchments at media houses and Trusts,  leaving professionals struggling for survival.  

While tourism has bounced back in Himachal, journalism continues to grapple with the aftershocks.  

Uphold later by the Supreme Court, the Centre has recommended implementing the Majithia Wage Boards  recommendations to ensure fair wages for journalists through its notification on November 11, 2011.

But states, including Himachal Pradesh, have ignored this directive as it did not take proactive steps to ensure that Trusts, media houses or Lalas give benefits to its working journalists considering that the state gives them hand some advt revenue every year.  

Countless journalists are entangled in labour court cases in Shimla, Mandi, Dharamshala seeking justice. The state has notified Majithia wages in October 2016. 

 Digital Media Policy 2024

The Digital Media and Advertisement policy of the Centre favours the same old big media houses and companies. No thought was spared on support for the media startup platforms in smaller states.  

It took the Himachal government nearly two years to finalise much-anticipated Digital Media Policy 2024. It has raised hopes for digital journalists but ultimately fell short of expectations so far.  

Accreditation remains inaccessible for most digital journalists, depriving them of essential benefits being given to the print. The print is now emerging out in its new avatar.

The vernaculars  now run  their You-Tube channels by  'news anchors' as they are struggling to compete with the   You Tubers and audio visuals and digital media.  

Himachal’s State Accreditation Committee has been criticized for being monopolized by “pet journalists,” sidelining independent journalists who are often deemed irrelevant.  

Despite the rapid growth of digital platforms, these professionals remain unrecognized under the Press and Registration of Books Act, which still views journalism through the lens of print.

The Press Council of India (PCI), the statutory watchdog of press freedom, routinely highlights the need for protecting journalists' rights, but little has changed on the ground. 

National Press Day Event Full of Speeches  

The PCI hosted National Press Day in New Delhi with the theme "Changing Nature of Press."  

I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted challenges such as algorithm bias and AI’s impact on journalism.

He also called the Emergency era a dark chapter in Indian democracy to score a point over his Congress rivals.  

MoS Dr. L. Murugan expressed concerns over "fake news", labeling it a threat to national sovereignty.  

PCI Chairperson Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai emphasized the need for journalistic ethics and balancing technology with integrity.  

Veteran journalist Kundan Ramanlal Vyas proposed creating a Media Council of India to extend PCI’s regulatory powers to social media.  

Despite these grand speeches, the real issues plaguing journalists—unfair contracts from media houses or trusts, lack of recognition, and precarious working conditions—went unaddressed.  

Plight of Himachal Journalists   

In Shimla, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri spoke about the importance of journalism ethics but failed to acknowledge the pressing challenges faced by journalists in the state.  

There were academics who trivialise journalists equating them to any "mobile phone handler" in an inference how the news has changed.  

The fact remains, since traditional media is shrinking, many journalists have moved to digital platforms for survival.

But they remain ignored by the government and excluded from public relations frameworks. There is no accreditation policy for them.  

In all in all, non-accredited journalists are often treated as "outsiders", receiving neither recognition nor support. PCI has pulled up states denying access and benefits to the journalists.     

Social Media Adds to the Chaos  

The rise of fake news and social media influencers has further undermined real journalism.  

While fact-based reporting struggles for space, influencers often dominate the narrative with sensationalism. The PCI’s call for regulating social media has so far gone unanswered.  

Global Voices on Press Freedom

Nobel laureates like Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov (2021), who have fought against authoritarian regimes in the Philpines and Russia to uphold press freedom, often highlight the vulnerability of journalists.

In her recent address, Ressa urged governments to recognize that "without independent journalism, democracy dies."

Muratov, who has witnessed colleagues pay the ultimate price, has repeatedly condemned governments for turning a blind eye to the exploitation and endangerment of reporters. 

Their words resonate deeply in India, where journalists face threats not just from authoritarian pressures but also from their own industry’s ruthless corporate practices. 

Reforms Needed Now  

The speeches conclude every year, but the plight of journalists in general remains poor.  

Implementing the Majithia Wage Board meant for 30 years is long overdue.

Accreditation processes must be made transparent and inclusive, and digital journalists need access to benefits and recognition.  

Journalists are the backbone of democracy. Without meaningful reforms, press freedom will continue to be an empty promise.  

The PCI must intensify its efforts to support all journalists, including independents, ensuring that National Press Day becomes a celebration of progress rather than a reminder of unmet promises.