NEW DELHI — Building on the critical mandate granted by the government four years ago, the Working Journalist Media Council (WJMC) has cemented its position as a premier self-regulatory body for print and digital news outlets across India.
Originally launching with 200 news publishers, the WJMC has significantly expanded its footprint, adapting to the complex demands of today’s fast-paced digital media landscape to ensure ethical reporting and rapid grievance redressal.
Reflecting on the organisation’s ongoing mission amid the digital boom of 2026, WJMC Chairman Kumar Saurav stated, “Our organisation continues to primarily look at grievances related to content on digital media platforms pertaining to current affairs that have not been addressed at the level of the platform. As news consumption evolves, our commitment to holding the digital press to a high ethical standard remains absolute.”
The foundation of WJMC’s regulatory authority stems from an official order issued on April 20, 2022, by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The ministry officially registered the WJMC as a self-regulatory body to perform functions laid down in sub-rules (4) and (5) of Rule 12 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
The body actively ensures that its vast network of member publishers adheres strictly to the code of ethics, including furnishing requisite information under Rule 18.
The association continues to be led by Senior Journalist Kumar Saurav, supported by a robust leadership team featuring journalist Gunjan and Advocate Bineet Panday as Legal members. Together, they navigate the evolving legal and ethical challenges of modern digital journalism.
Under Rule 12 of the IT Rules, 2021, the WJMC’s role has become increasingly vital. The body is tasked with overseeing and ensuring publisher adherence to the code of ethics; providing guidance to publishers; addressing grievances unresolved by publishers within a strict 15-day window; hearing appeals filed by complainants; and issuing advisories to ensure full compliance.
With the government’s continued refinement of the IT Rules—including the active operations of the Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs) that adjudicate content moderation decisions by intermediaries—the WJMC serves as a crucial, industry-led buffer. It provides a structured, self-governing alternative to direct government intervention, fostering a responsible, transparent, and self-regulated digital press.
It is pertinent to mention here that The Kashmir Pulse is also a member of the WJMC. A membership certificate, bearing Reference No. WJMC/7489-141, was issued to The Kashmir Pulse on June 26 by WJMC, confirming its membership status.
Call for Publisher Registration:
Digital and print publishers looking to align with modern regulatory frameworks and join the expanding WJMC network can complete their self-regulatory registration via the online form: https://jmcouncil.in/srb_form.php.
