In the context of Media and Information Literacy, one key regulatory body discussed is the Press Council of India (PCI). The PCI is an autonomous, statutory body that was established in 1966 to regulate the content of the press and ensure that the press maintains ethical standards in reporting. The primary role of the Press Council of India is to preserve the freedom of the press while also ensuring that the media operates in a responsible and ethical manner, addressing issues such as bias, stereotyping, and ethical reporting. The PCI’s guidelines are designed to ensure that the media adheres to high standards of journalistic integrity. One of the main principles of PCI’s code of ethics is the responsibility of journalists to avoid bias, misrepresentation, and distortion of facts. This involves providing balanced and accurate coverage of events, refraining from sensationalism, and ensuring that all views, especially minority opinions, are presented fairly. PCI specifically mandates that the press should not report news in a manner that misleads or causes harm to individuals or groups. It also lays down specific guidelines on avoiding discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, gender, and other factors. In terms of addressing stereotyping, the PCI has guidelines that prohibit media from perpetuating harmful stereotypes about any group based on their identity, be it ethnic, racial, gender-based, or cultural. The media is also encouraged to represent diverse perspectives and avoid portraying any particular group in a negative or discriminatory light. Stereotypes are often deeply ingrained in the media, leading to the marginalization of certain communities or groups. The PCI aims to reduce such negative portrayals by emphasizing the need for sensitivity, inclusivity, and accuracy in reporting. Journalists are encouraged to use language that is non-discriminatory and does not reinforce negative biases. Ethical reporting is another cornerstone of the PCI’s framework. The body emphasizes the importance of