Press Council begins reconstitution process for 15th term

MUMBAI: Fresh ink is set to shape the watchdog that watches the watchdogs. The Press Council of India (PCI) has begun the process of reconstituting its 15th term, inviting claims from eligible associations managing news agencies as well as individual news agencies seeking representation under the Press Council Act, 1978.

In a press release, the statutory media watchdog said the exercise is being undertaken under Section 5(3)(c) of the Act, which provides representation to news agencies on the Council. The move follows a public advertisement issued earlier this month in newspapers across the country, calling for eligible entities to submit their claims.

The reconstitution will determine the news agency representatives who will participate in the Council’s next term, contributing to deliberations on press freedom, media accountability and professional standards.

Established under the Press Council Act, 1978, the Press Council of India functions as the country’s statutory media watchdog, tasked with preserving the freedom of the press while maintaining and improving the standards of newspapers and news agencies. It also adjudicates complaints against the media and works to uphold journalistic ethics.

The latest exercise comes at a time when India’s media landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, with digital platforms and regional-language news services playing an increasingly prominent role in news dissemination. Representation from news agencies is expected to ensure that evolving industry realities are reflected in policy discussions and regulatory oversight.

By initiating the reconstitution process, the Council aims to strengthen participation from the news agency ecosystem while reinforcing its role in safeguarding press freedom and maintaining professional standards across India’s fast-changing media landscape.