Our focus is to transform the Press Club into a robust institution: Gautam Lahiri

Senior journalist Gautam Lahiri, who was recently re-elected as President of the Press Club of India, shares his vision for a strengthened and empowered journalistic community. He outlines key initiatives, including a national media policy, enhanced resources for journalists, and programmes promoting ethical standards and transparency within the profession.

You have been elected President of the Press Club of India for the second consecutive time. What are your top priorities?

I am fortunate to have a dedicated and capable team committed to advancing the interests of journalists. Our primary focus is to transform the Press Club into a robust institution that goes beyond being a social hub, evolving into a centre that provides comprehensive resources and facilities to support the professional development of journalists.

Our ongoing priority is to enhance the democratic and transparent functioning of the institution, ensuring it remains a vital platform for journalistic excellence and collaboration.

How does the Press Club ensure transparency and inclusivity in its election process, and what measures have been implemented to address concerns about membership fairness?

The Press Club conducts annual elections, ensuring a robust democratic process. Every member can contest, regardless of their ideological affiliations, promoting inclusivity and fairness. Transparency has always been a priority, and our practices have consistently withstood scrutiny, with courts affirming the integrity of our membership processes. This commitment to openness and fairness underpins the credibility of our electoral system.

What key initiatives or actions were undertaken during your last term?

We have drafted a comprehensive National Media Policy to safeguard journalists and preserve their professional integrity. As part of our initiatives, we established a dedicated media centre to facilitate journalists in filing their stories seamlessly. We plan to launch an audio-visual unit and an online radio platform to enhance media accessibility and outreach. Additionally, we are developing plans to build an extensive library, offering resources such as parliamentary debates and a wide range of literature to support journalists in their research and reporting endeavors.

With credibility in journalism facing significant challenges today, what specific initiatives or reforms is the Press Club undertaking to uphold ethical standards and foster trust within the profession?

To address the challenges to credibility in journalism, the Press Club has initiated workshops on fact-checking to equip journalists with the tools to verify information accurately, with plans to expand these efforts further. Additionally, we have established a dedicated legal cell to provide essential legal assistance and support to journalists. Furthermore, measures are being implemented to promote the self-reliance of journalists, encouraging them to pursue independent writing and strengthen their professional autonomy. These steps reflect our commitment to upholding ethical standards and fostering trust within the profession.

What major decisions were taken in the first meeting of the executive after being elected President of the Press Club for the second consecutive time?

Several significant decisions were made in the first meeting of the newly formed executive. A proposal was introduced to form a federation by uniting all the press clubs across the country, aiming to strengthen collaboration and representation. Plans were also laid out to expand the library of the Press Club, enhancing resources for members. Additionally, it was decided to organize a book fair dedicated to showcasing books authored by members, a commendable initiative to motivate journalists who have written or are in the process of writing books.

A plan was finalized to host an interaction with a delegation of journalists visiting from abroad on November 29. Each year, as part of an initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs, journalists from various countries visit India, which includes a stop at the Press Club. 

What new initiatives are you planning to introduce at the Press Club?

We are planning to organize a literary festival at the Press Club, featuring an exhibition of books authored by our members, to celebrate and promote their literary contributions. Additionally, we aim to encourage and support research work within the journalistic community. While these are the immediate plans, several other significant initiatives are also in the pipeline, which will be announced in due course.