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Critical Analysis of Central Media Accreditation Guidelines 2022: Are You Eligible?

The Central Media Accreditation Guidelines 2022, established by the Government of India, serve as essential tools to recognize and monitor media persons working across the country. These guidelines ensure that only qualified journalists and media professionals receive official information, thus maintaining national security and preventing the misuse of sensitive data. This article critically analyzes the guidelines, focusing on eligibility criteria, necessary documents, and the implications for various categories of media professionals.

Key Eligibility Criteria

1. Working Journalists in News Agencies:

• Experience: Minimum five years as a full-time journalist.
• Contractual Employment: Eligible if the contract is valid for at least one year from the application date.
• Location: Must reside in the National Capital Region.
• Recommendation: Must provide a recommendation letter from the head of their institution.

2. Self-Employed Journalists:

• Experience: Minimum of 15 years in journalism, with at least five years holding a PIB card.
• Documentation: Must provide Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport, appointment letters, and proof of published work or links to their digital content.

3. Veteran Journalists:

• Age and Experience: Must be 65 years or older with at least 30 years of experience and have received awards in their career.

4. Technicians:

• Employment: Full-time technicians working in news organizations, recommended by their employer.

5. Print Media Organizations:

• Circulation: Must meet specific circulation thresholds for daily, weekly, and magazine publications.
• Documentation: Must provide RNI registration certificates and circulation certificates verified by a Chartered Accountant.

6. Electronic News Organizations:

• Permissions: Must have permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Documentation: Include photocopies of permissions, renewal documents, and approved name and logo.

7. Digital News Publishers:

• Exclusions: Digital news aggregators are not eligible.
• Compliance: Must comply with IT rules, have a website at least one year old, and provide certified monthly average visitors.
• Experience: Must have five years of experience and be employed full-time by the digital publisher.

Situations Leading to Cancellation of Accreditation

Accreditation can be canceled if:

• It is used for non-journalistic activities.
• The individual is charged with a serious offense.
• The representative organization ceases the person's card.
• Renewal applications are not submitted within the fixed period.

Renewal Process

Accreditation cards must be renewed annually through an online application, accompanied by the required documents.