A Media Studies project on Print Media and its components.

1. SVT COLLEGE OF HOME SCIENCE
(AUTONOMOUS)
SNDT WOMEN’S UNIVERISITY MUMBAI
Media Studies
Print Media &
Press Council of India
Submitted to
Prof. Vipra Banerjee
Department of Mass Communication & Extension
Submitted by
Krittika Nandrajog (269)
Manasi Yadav (272)
Dhara Desai (263)
S.Y.BSc -- Department of Mass communication and Extension
Submitted on
06-08-2018

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Contents
Introduction ................................................................................2
Print Media Today....................................................................3
Major Publication Houses.........................................................3
History of Print in India..............................................................3
Characteristics ............................................................................3
Importance of Print Media in Democracy ..................................4
Ownership and Control on Print Media......................................5
Example....................................................................................5
The Pressure on Press.................................................................6
Example....................................................................................6
Press Council ..............................................................................7
Role of Press Council ...............................................................8
Cases Handled in Last one year:...............................................8
Conclusion..................................................................................9
References ................................................................................10

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Introduction
rint media have been the first form of mass communication, since the first journals after the invention of typography by
Gutenberg (in 1447) and monopolized the field until the mass production of the radio in 1920s. In the next 90 years, first
the television and then the Internet have claimed their own share of the media audience. Despite the technological
advancements which allow us wireless access to the Internet from pocket-size devices, the special attributes of print media still
render them an important source of information, as the World Association of Newspapers suggests, pointing out that one billion
people in the world read a newspaper every day.
• Print media is one of the oldest and basic forms of communication. It includes newspapers, weeklies,
magazines, monthlies, banners & graphics, posters, and other forms of printed material
1. Newspapers are the most popular forms of print media. The advertiser in this case can choose from a daily
newspaper to a weekly tabloid. Different types of newspaper cater to various audiences and one can select the
particular category accordingly. Advertisers then design press advertisements where in the size is decided as per
the budget of the client.
2. Magazines also offer advertisers an opportunity to incorporate various new techniques and ideas. Magazines are
one such form of print media that give a more specific target group to the client. The client can make a choice of
the magazine as per the product.
3. Newsletters also form an important part of print media. These target a specific group of audience and give
information on the product.
4. Brochures give detailed information about the product. These are mainly distributed at events or even at the
main outlet when a consumer needs to read in detail about the product.
5. Posters are forms of outdoor advertising. The message in a poster must be brief and eye-catching as it targets a
person on the move.
6. Direct marketing Direct marketing is a channel-agnostic form of advertising that allows businesses and
nonprofits to communicate straight to the customer, with advertising techniques such as mobile messaging,
email, interactive consumer websites, online display ads, fliers, catalog distribution, promotional letters, and
outdoor advertising.
7. Flyer (pamphlet) A flyer or flier, also called a circular, handbill or leaflet, is a form of paper advertisement
intended for wide distribution and typically posted or distributed in a public place.
Flyers may be used by individuals, businesses, or organizations to:
▪ Promote a good or service, such as a restaurant or nightclub.
▪ Persuade or send a social, religious, or political message, as in evangelism or political campaign activities on
behalf of a political party or candidate.
▪ Flyers have been used in armed conflict: for example, airborne leaflet propaganda has been a tactic of
psychological warfare.
▪ Recruit members
▪ Advertise an event such as a music concert, nightclub appearance, festival, or political rally. Like postcards,
pamphlets and small posters, flyers are a low-cost form of mass marketing or communication.
• Most Popular Forms of Advertising Due to Its Ability to Reach A Wide Audience.
• The contribution of print media in providing information and transfer of knowledge is remarkable. Even
after the advent of electronic media, the print media has not lost its charm or relevance.
• Print media has the advantage of making a longer impact on the minds of the reader, with more in-depth reporting
and analysis.
• Primary strengths of print relative to digital include tangibility, an enduring message and high credibility. Some
people prefer to read media in print as opposed to digital formats.
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Print Media Today
During the 1990s, the printing industry experienced tremendous change with the development of digital technology. Thanks
to new digital techniques, printing became more cost-efficient and alterations were more easily executed. Despite that,
increasingly industry professionals are turning to online options to accomplish advertising and marketing objectives, and
many magazines and newspapers are shifting away from print media as well.
Major Publication Houses
❖ Jagran Prakashan Ltd.,
❖ HT Media Ltd.,
❖ D B Corp Ltd.
❖ Malayala Manorama Ltd.
❖ Bennett, Coleman and Co. Ltd.
❖ Amar Ujala Publications Ltd.
❖ Lokmat Media Limited
❖ Ananda Publisher
History of Print in India
• The first Indian media were the Print media with The Bengal Gazette which was started in 1780 by
James Augustus Hickey under the British Raj.
• Other newspapers like The India Gazette, The Calcutta Gazette, The Madras Courier (1785) and The
Bombay Herald (1789) soon followed carrying news under the British rule.
• The Bombay Samachar, founded in 1822 and printed in Gujarati, is the oldest Asian newspaper still in
print.
• The Times of India was founded in 1838 as The Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce by Bennett,
Coleman and Company, a colonial enterprise now owned by an Indian conglomerate.
Characteristics
rint media is a form of communication that comes in many different types. Messages can be sent out and printed
on fliers, in newspapers, billboards and magazines. Once the pieces are printed, they are distributed to their
proper audience.
The communication can be used to send information on promotions or updates on news or events.
1. Production Time
Over the years, print media have become a less attractive source of information because of the time it takes to produce
such materials. In order to print newspapers, magazines and other media for distribution, the products must be designed,
and the text must be written and thoroughly checked for errors before being sent to the printer. Once the copies are
printed, they are posted for mail delivery, dropped off at newsstands for purchase or delivered to people’s homes. It can
take hours, days or weeks from the time material is written until it reaches its audience.
2. Frequency of Distribution
The frequency of distribution is a key characteristic of print media. Some publications that contain time-sensitive
information such as newspapers and magazines can be distributed daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and even annually.
Other media such as newsletters, booklets and pamphlets can be distributed as
needed for individuals to pick up at their own discretion.
3. Types
Print media come in a wide variety of options. The most commonly circulated
forms are newspapers, magazines and fliers. The content of the pieces varies,
and the products are distributed using different timelines and in different
amounts. The content communicates the news, gossip, retail sales or whatever
message the sender is trying to convey.
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Importance of Print Media in Democracy
rint Media has been nicknamed as ‘News Monger’ or the fourth Estate. Media is often referred to as
the fourth branch of government because of the power they wield and the oversight function they exercise.
The role of the media is vital in generating a democratic culture that extends beyond the political system and
becomes engrained in the public consciousness over time.
Media is supplying the political information that voters base their decisions on. They identify problems in our society
and serve as a medium for deliberation. They also serve as watchdogs that we rely on for uncovering errors and
wrongdoings by those who have power.
The role of media in a democracy is as crucial as that of the politicians and should never be underestimated.
Democracy is meaningless without a free, neutral and active media.
The media’s key role in democratic governance has been recognized since the late 17th century and remains a
fundamental principle of modern-day democratic theory and practice.
The role of the press as ‘watchdog’ is a traditional characterization of the role of the news media in particular. This
watchdog role can take many forms depending on the nature of the medium concerned, as well as on the state of
democracy and development in a particular country. Essentially, this role is to provide information – to be the ‘eyes and
ears’ of the public in monitoring what is happening in public life by reporting on daily events as they unfold.
Print media works as a bridge between the government and the people.
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Who owns the mass media in India?
Ownership and Control on Print Media
rint or Broadcast media are normally owned by individuals, government, group of individuals, etc. Ownership of the
media is the paternity or possession of a medium of communication. Paternity here means the act of owning.
This paternity may evolve as a result of partial or total financing of a medium either by an individual, an organization
or a government. The reasons for ownership may be to use the medium to achieve political goals. It could also be to achieve
economic goals. Politicians own many newspapers e.g. Tinubu owns the Nation while Tribune was established by
Awolowo. The media thus become agents of propaganda that will not publish something against the owners.
There are different types of ownership as follows: Government, Private, Joint and Party ownership.
The control of mass media means the checks and controls of the media which is based on legal demands, the influence of
proprietors, restrictions on what to publish or what not to publish, observance of the regulatory bodies’ stipulations, etc.
This control to a great extent affect what their editorial contents should eventually be.
Government control
Government controls the media through laws established to regulate their activities. There are three major regulatory
agencies set up by the government for this purpose.
Advertisers’ Control
As a result of the fact that the media organizations need money from the advertisers to sustain their medium, they are
controlled directly or indirectly by the advertisers who the media will suppress news they (the advertisers) consider
unfavorable.
Private media proprietors’ control
The proprietors exert control over their editors and other staff. Proprietors have been known to demand self-censorship by
their editors. The proprietors expect those working in their media organizations to understand and protect their interests.
The members of staff (editors in particular) are expected to make sure that they do not write stories that will be unfavorable to
proprietors, their friends, etc. They can sack editors or other staff who are not obedient in this area.
Example
Dainik Saamana has been a ‘must read’ for many in Maharashtra for a long time. It has been so for all friends and foes of
Editor, Bal Thackeray since 1989 when it was founded because the Sena supremo was miffed that he did not get the kind of
coverage he thought he and his party deserved. More so because, as he had always lamented that though he was fighting for
the cause of the Marathi manoos even the Marathi newspapers were critical of him and the Sena.
All of which were realized when Dainik Saamana was launched and became a remarkable hit with the Sevaks and a
successful example of a political mouthpiece. To many of the sainiks who lacked a direct day to day access to him, the
Saamana offered a connect. Even for many leaders of the party holding important posts within and without the Shiv Sena, the
paper became a window to understand emerging and new ideas from their leader-editor. well-known examples of Individuals
who ran or run their own newspapers with an intent to boost their personal politics are Vilasrao Deshmukh’s Latur-based
Ekmat, Kamal Kishore Kadam’s Lokpatra, the Darda family their Lokmat. The Pawars too, should find the Sakal helpful with
its large readership.
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Where else has the line between journalism and politics been blurred?
❖ Jaya TV in southern India, is controlled by Tamil Nadu State Chief Minister Jayalalithaa Jayaram.
❖ Sun TV is led by former Telecommunications Minister Dayanidhi Maran.
❖ Shobhna Bhartia, Chairperson and Editorial Director of the Hindustan Times, was a Congress Party Parliamentary
member.
❖ A popular national TV news channel is owned by editor Rajat Sharma, who is open about his lobbying interests and
support for the ruling political party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
❖ Chandan Mitra, the editor of Pioneer newspaper in Delhi, and veteran Indian journalist and author M. J. Akbar, are
members of BJP.
❖ Arun Shourie, former editor of the Indian Express newspaper, is a public BJP sympathizer.
INDIAN MEDIA: HOW FREE IS IT REALLY?
The Pressure on Press
s discussed earlier, press is regarded as one of the pillars of a democracy as it acts as a watchdog of the three organs
of democracy. Though, freedom of speech & expression (including of press) is enjoyed by the citizens but there are
many instances where the press must face difficulties as well.
Freedom of the press or freedom of the media is the principle that communication and expression through various media,
including printed and electronic media, especially published materials, should be considered a right to be exercised freely.
Such freedom implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state; its preservation may be sought through
constitutional or other legal protections.
Fear of losing jobs, politics, and self-censorship are suffocating media freedoms - those are the most common thoughts of
dozens of prominent journalists from the region - in a survey by Media.ba on May 3, the World Press Freedom Day.
The Indian Constitution, while not mentioning the word "press", provides for "the right to freedom of speech and expression"
(Article 19(1) a). However, this right is subject to restrictions under sub clause, whereby this freedom can be restricted for
reasons of "sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order,
preserving decency, preserving morality, in relation to contempt, court, defamation, or incitement to an offense".
As of 2017, India ranked 136 on the World Press Freedom Index, slipping 3 points from the year before. The Indian
correspondent for the Committee to Protect Journalists noted that, "If ever there was a worst year for press freedom in India,
2017 would be it." Consumers of Indian news themselves saw a palpable change, or more accurately, the blunting of the
proverbial pen as it (often quite literally) succumbed to the sword.
On January 19, The Hoot put out its "India Freedom Report ~ Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression in 2017" and the
statistics are abysmal for a nation that proudly calls itself the world's largest democracy. 11 journalists murdered, 46 attacks
and 27 cases of police action, is the state of reporting on the ground, in India today.
Example
One of the most respected television journalists in India, Sardesai was forced to exit CNN IBN, a news channel he had helped
build from scratch. With business interests aligning themselves with pro-market Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party, the
space for journalists like Sardesai who have been critical of the new prime minister in the past is fast shrinking. Several
editors have met with similar fates since Modi came to power in 2014.
The latest victim is Krishna Prasad, editor of influential news magazine Outlook, who was abruptly removed after an
investigative report critical of the BJP’s ideological parent organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS).
The Hyderabad police registered a case against a woman journalist for allegedly drawing a cartoon on her Facebook page
insulting the devotees of Lord Rama and hurting the sentiments of the Hindus.
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Press Council
he Press Council of India is a statutory body in
India that governs the conduct of the print and
broadcast media. The Press Council of India was
first set up in the year 1966 by the Parliament on the
recommendations of the First Press Commission with
the object of preserving the freedom of the press and of
maintaining and improving the standards of press in
India.
The present Council functions under the Press Council
Act 1978. It is a statutory, quasi-judicial body which
acts as a watchdog of the press. It is one of the most
important bodies that sustain democracy, as it has supreme power regarding the media to ensure that freedom of speech is
maintained. However, it is also empowered to hold hearings on receipt of complaints and take suitable action where
appropriate. It may either warn or censure the errant journalists on finding them guilty.
❖ For Example: It did so on 21 July 2006, when it censured three newspapers — Times of India. Punjab Kesri and Mid-
Day for violation of norms of journalistic conduct.
The press council of India is protected by the constitution and its actions may not be questioned unless it is proved to be in
violation of the constitution, which makes it exceedingly powerful a body.
• Sweden is the first country to form Press Council - 1916.It was called the Court of Law.
• At present there are about 40 countries that have their own Press Council.
• The Functions and Powers of Press Councils of various countries are found to differ.
o In USA, guidelines of the Press Council are made in consultation with the legal experts.
o In UK, The Press Council is formed by journalists, academicians etc. It is not a statutory body and has no
legal power.
The Press Council is headed by a Chairperson, who has, by convention, been a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India.
The Council consists of 28 other members of whom 20 represent the press and are nominated by the press organizations/news
agencies recognized and notified by the Council as all India bodies of categories such as editors, working journalists and
owners and managers of newspaper; 5 members are nominated from the two houses of Parliament and 3 represent cultural,
literary, and legal fields as nominees of the Sahitya Academy, University Grants Commission, and the Bar Council of India.
The members serve on the Council for a term of three years. Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad is Chairman of the
Council as of 2015. The Council is funded by revenue collected by it as fees levied on the registered newspapers in the
country based on their circulation. No fee is levied on newspapers with a circulation of less than 5000 copies. The deficit is
made good by grants by the Central.
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Role of Press Council
• To help newspapers and news agencies to maintain
their independence
• To build up a code of conduct for newspapers, news
agencies and journalists in accordance with high
professional standards.
• To ensure on the part of the newspapers, news
agencies and journalists, the maintenance of high
standards of public taste and foster a due sense of
both rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
• To encourage the growth of the sense of
responsibility and public service among all those
engaged in the profession of journalism
• To keep under review any development likely to restrict the supply and dissemination of news of public interest and
• importance.
• To keep under review cases of assistance received by any newspaper or news agency in India from any foreign
source including such cases as by an individual, association, of persons or other organization
• To undertake studies of foreign newspapers, including those brought out by any embassy or other representative in
India of foreign state, their circulation and impact.
• To promote a proper functional relationship among all classes of persons engaged in the production or publication of
newspapers or in news agencies.
• To concern itself with the developments such as concentration of or other aspects of ownership of newspapers and
news agencies which may affect the independence of the Press
• To understand such studies as may be entrusted to the Council and to express its opinion in regard to any matter
referred to it by the Central Government.
Cases Handled in Last one year:
Complaints received - 8939 (out of which 6246 were against the press)
Major Complaints against the press:
❖ Publication of unverified and abusive language
❖ Printing of obscene pictures
❖ Communal and casteist writings
❖ Attempts to inflame communal passion
❖ Refusal to publish replies
❖ Encroachment on privacy
❖ Distorted and Prejudiced reporting
❖ Suppression of facts
❖ Sensational and misleading headings
❖ Malicious reporting and writing
Complaints made by the press against government administration/police/politicians/publicity dept –
❖ False and malicious charges
❖ False arrests and detentions in police custody
❖ Threats to life and property
❖ In action of police on complaints filed by journalists
❖ Threats to life, liberty, and property
❖ Suspension and cancellation of advertisements.
❖ Withholding of or reduction of news print quota.
❖ Stoppage of electricity and water supply
❖ Raids and attempts to demolish newspaper offices.
❖ Seizure of copies and their destruction

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Conclusion
Newspaper Is the Centre Of A Community, It’s One of The Tent Poles of The Community and That’s Not Going to
Be Replaced by Web Sites and Blogs.” -Michael Connelly
A European survey showed that 23% of the interviewed consumers of 13 countries were print users who use digital
media with certain regularity. 46% usually merge print with digital. 19% were digital media users with positive opinion on
print media and just 12% were digital users with no interests or positive attitude towards print media.
The same survey showed that newspapers and
magazines have a 63% of popularity among
consumers while Internet has just 25%.
But this is not only a European phenomenon. In
America, 98% of consumers get their mail the same
day it is delivered and 77% check it immediately. 70%
of Americans prefer to read on paper and 67% prefer
printed materials over digital. At the end of the day,
figures show a tangible and convincing result, print
media popularity is not dead and it continues to
generate amazing leads for companies all over the
world.
In words of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, "The role of journalism should be service. The Press is a great power,
but just as an unchained torrent of water submerges the whole countryside and devastates crops, even so an uncontrolled pen
serves but to destroy."
The press has played many significant roles in delivering justice, public welfare etc. The National Commission to Review the
Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) has in its final report submitted to the Government recommended that Article
19(1)(a) which deals with “freedom of speech & expression” must expressly include the freedom of the press and other
media, the freedom to hold opinion and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas.
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References
1. Websites
• https://www.quora.com/What-is-print-media
• https://bizfluent.com/facts-6852659-introduction-print-media.html
• https://legaldesire.com/role-of-media-in-democracy/
• https://www.scribd.com/document/37707240/The-Role-of-Print-in-the-Rise-of-Democracy
• http://www.soyang.net/blog/print-media-characteristics/
• https://smallbusiness.chron.com/print-media-characteristics-43397.html
• https://www.firstpost.com/politics/the-importance-of-bal-thackerays-dainik-saamana-531496.html
• http://www.thehoot.org/resources/media-ownership/media-ownership-in-india-an-overview-6048
• https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/2018054/indian-media-how-free-it-really
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_the_press#India
• https://www.b2cprint.com/what-statistics-say-about-printed-advertisements-effectiveness/
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/media-owners-being-controlled-by-modi-govt-stories-
getting-killed-chidambaram/story-AiYWszfb5hYfMNFckKGSCO.html
• https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2013/india#.U7FpGrFfw6o
• https://www.huffingtonpost.in/vineet-john-samuel/if-2017-was-a-terrible-year-for-the-freedom-of-
press-in-india-2018-isn-t-looking-any-better_a_23341292/
2. Books
• Mass Communication in India (Fourth Edition) Keval J Kumar
• McQuail’s Mass Communication Theory (Sixth Edition) Denis McQuail
3. Newspaper
• The Economic Times 04/04/2018
• Times of India-Times Nation 07/06/2018
• Times of India (Kochi)-India Digest 24-05-2018
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/complaint-against-hyderabad-journalist-for-insulting-fb-
cartoon-on-ram-devotees/story-dnUNpiHXUosg7hQJgSarvN.html