The loss of credibility of the press and the arbitrary use of technology that has led to spread of misinformation are worrisome challenges facing the press in current times, said Justice Ranjana Desai, chairperson of Press Council of India (PCI).
Speaking at an event in the capital on National Press Day, Justice Desai emphasised on the importance of accurate reporting over speedy delivery of news.
“The arbitrary use of technology in mass communication has led to a growing spread of misinformation,” she said, adding that the responsibility of journalists in such trying times has become more onerous.
“Accuracy should be valued more than speed, and truth should be prioritised over trends,” she said.
Urging the press to show restraint while writing on matters pertaining to religion or the armed forces, the chairperson said journalists’ work does not end with reporting an event since even a minor inaccuracy can have serious ramifications.
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“Their work does not end with reporting an event; it extends to verifying facts, interpreting them accurately and placing them in perspective and not creating news,” Desai said at the function that was also attended by Information and Broadcasting Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw and PTI CEO Vijay Joshi, among others.
She also announced that Press Council of India has updated the Norms of Journalistic Conduct and called for greater care and responsibility in reporting.
Desai said the Council also believed that financial independence was directly connected to upholding press credibility and has advised governments of states and Union territories to develop and implement group insurance schemes for journalists.
Advising journalists to remain alert and thoughtful to the increasing role of artificial intelligence in the field of journalism, she added, “Technology should help us find the truth, not twist or overshadow it. However, advanced these tools may become, they can never replace the human mind – the judgment, conscience and sense of responsibility that guide every journalist to prevent the spread of misinformation.”
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