How Does RNI Registration Strengthen Credibility and Trust in Journalism?

For the last few years, the topic of debate among people is “trust in news media”. Many experts in the media industry and researchers said the media should work on enhancing the quality of the content published in newspapers.

The RNI ensures that the newspaper will publish as per the provisions of the PRB Act, of 1867 and follow the rules under the publication. The impact of this is seen in the growth of the newspaper industry which increase the revenue by 4.5 crore from the financial year 2022 to 2023. Check below how RNI newspaper registration help in journalism.

What is RNI Registration?

The Office of the Registrar of Newspaper for India is also known as RNI which first came into existence on July 1st, 1956. The RNI is important to legally operate and distribute print media.

Registrar of Newspaper of India is a statutory body which is established under the Press and Registration of Books Act, of 1867. The primary motive of RNI is to maintain a database of newspapers, periodicals, and other publications in India. It ensures authenticity, credibility, and compliance with the regulatory framework.

Who Must Obtain an RNI Online Registration Certificate?

Any Indian or Foreign entity which is starting a newspaper publication must obtain an RNI online registration certificate. These the following publishers required an RNI certificate:

• Indian Newspaper: Every entity which is entering into the newspaper business in India must get an RNI certificate and all regional newspapers would need an RNI Registration.
• Foreign Newspaper: Every foreign entity which is looking to start a business in a newspaper in India must obtain an RNI certificate license.
• Editorials and Magazines: A magazine in any language or newspaper editorial must have an RNI registration certificate.

How RNI Registration Certification is Helping Build in Journalism?

From 2010 to 2014 it has been seen that 40% of the revenue was coming from vernacular newspapers. As per the reports, the Dainik Bhaskar become the top newspaper with 16.6 million newspapers, and the Times of India is the only newspaper that features in the top 10 list. For this, all the credit goes to RNI. Check below the other benefits an RNI registration certificate provides:

1. Completing the RNI online registration will provide recognition to newspapers and publishers throughout India. In case of any change in the certificate, the RNI will update the publisher. 
2. After registering, the publisher will not only get the protection of the title but get the benefits against infringement related to the copyright of the publication.
3. The protection of a business title is important for every business, so newspaper registration will help to protect the newspaper publication and title. The newspaper sells from the brand name among the customer, so having authority over the title is much needed.
4. Every registered publisher will comply with the law, PRB Act, by obtaining this registration.

However, the complete registration process must be completed within 2 years from the date of verification of title. If the process doesn’t get complete in two years then the title will be automatically blocked.

How Newspaper Businesses Can Do RNI Registration?

1. Fill in the mandatory field with the right information such as mobile number and e-mail ID before providing the application.
2. Apply and take a printout of the filled application. A code will be generated for the reprint of the application if required.
3. Apply to the concerned authority. In Delhi, DCP is the sole authority to apply.
4. The application will be forwarded to RNI by the authority with the proper name, signature, and seal of the forwarding authority. 

Note: The RNI will process the application only on the receipt of a hard copy forwarded by the concerned authority. So, the applicant is advised to keep an application duly signed and forwarded by the authority for future reference.

1. Once the RNI gets the hard copy of your application then you get an intimated receipt of the application through the RNI reference number which is sent to the mobile number and e-mail.
2. For future references, the applicant must save the RNI reference number.
3. The applicant can check the status of the application through the DM number or RNI reference number.
4. Along with this, the applicant can download Title Verification Letter/ Title non-approval Letter/ Discrepancy Letter from the RNI official website.

Note: Once all the verification will be done, the applicant will get the title registered within one year from the date of verification. Before registration the title ownership is non-transferable.

Conclusion

To protect the creative work and establish a presence in the Indian market obtaining an RNI registration is important. By following the procedure mentioned above, a newspaper business can get legal recognition in the industry. 

At Registrationwala, we assist newspaper businesses to obtain the RNI registration certificate. So, if you want to start a newspaper publication in India, connect with us to get complete guidance.

Also read:  Do you need RNI registration for an online news portal?

Author: Dushyant Sharma

Hey there, I'm Dushyant Sharma. With the extensive knowledge I've gained in past 8 years, I have been creating content on various subjects such as banking, insurance, telecom, and all the important registration and licensing processes for various companies. I'm here to help everyone with my expertise in these areas through my articles.