Media Accreditation Rules 2025 Approved By Telangana Govt
- Media Accreditation Rules 2025 replace 2016 guidelines
- Media Accreditation Rules cover print, electronic and digital media
The Telangana government has approved the Media Accreditation Rules 2025, replacing the earlier 2016 guidelines. The new framework seeks to streamline the accreditation process for journalists while introducing clear eligibility norms. It also brings digital media under accreditation for the first time. The government issued the rules through G.O. Ms. No. 252, approved by Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao.
According to the input, the Media Accreditation Rules 2025 aim to make access to government information easier while ensuring accountability. The government stated that the overhaul would help create a structured system for accreditation at both state and district levels. Under the revised rules, accreditation committees at these levels will have a tenure of two years. However, existing committees will continue until new ones are formed.
Under the new system, working reporters in the field will receive accreditation cards. These cards will serve as identity for news coverage. Meanwhile, desk journalists, including sub editors, will receive media cards. These media cards will only allow access to government welfare schemes and benefits for the media fraternity. They will not grant field access. Therefore, the rules clearly separate field reporting duties from desk based roles.
The Media Accreditation Rules also include digital news platforms for the first time. Websites must show at least 500,000 monthly visitors for the last six months to qualify. Also, the government has capped accreditation in this category at 10 cards across the state. This move reflects recognition of digital journalism, but it also sets strict limits.
Eligibility norms have been tightened across media sectors. Print publications must circulate at least 2,000 copies daily and hold Press Registrar General of India registration. Electronic media must meet fixed broadcast requirements. Journalists seeking state level accreditation need a degree or five years of experience. Freelancers with 15 years of experience and veteran journalists with 30 years of service and aged 58 or above are also eligible.
Journalist unions offered mixed reactions. TUWJ President K. Virahat Ali said, “All eligible working journalists would get accreditation or media cards based on their field of duty. Desk journalists had only concerns about missing out on government benefits without an accreditation card. For this purpose, they will be given the Media cards by the department and they will be considered for whatever benefits the government extends to the journalist fraternity. As regards desk journalists missing out on RTC bus pass, we would take this up with the department”.
However, TUWJ General Secretary Askani Maruthi Sagar expressed concern, stating, “Two categories of cards (Accreditation for reporters and Media cards for desk journalists) is nothing but dividing journalists which was not the case earlier. He also mentioned enhancing minimum eligibility years required from 10 to 15 years for freelance journalists and injustice to cable channels. And all these would result in reduction of 10,000 cards this time from the previous figure of 23,000 cards,”.
Similarly, TWJF General Secretary B. Basava Punnaiah said, “Journalists are expressing objections regarding the Media card given to desk journalists. The provision that it should be used only as an ID card is not correct. We will submit a petition to the I & PR on this.”
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates
