The need for a national media council
The detention of independent journalists during recent protests in New Delhi has sparked a debate regarding the need for a national media council in India. Proponents argue such a body could formalize accreditation for freelancers and independent content creators.
Why it matters
The issue touches on the tension between state authority and press freedom, particularly regarding who qualifies as a legitimate journalist in the digital age.
The need for a national media council left Journalists with an independent online news platform are taken away following their detention during a Cockroach Janta Party protest in New Delhi on October 10, 2026. AP AP https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/7ftupb/article71624502.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/India_Protests_Journalists__495.jpg MANISH SWARUP Journalists with the independent online news platform Molitics, are taken away following their detention during a Cockroach Janta Party protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.(AP Photo/Manish Swarup) Just like there is the Bar Council of India for lawyers and an Institute of Chartered Accountants of India for chartered accountants, the media council can recognise all working journalists, freelance journalists, camerapersons and technicians The recent protests called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), and helmed by Opposition parties, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar have exposed a chink in journalists’ armour.
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