The media is increasingly recognized as the fourth pillar of democracy, alongside the legislature, executive, and judiciary. In today’s world, an independent and robust media is indispensable to upholding democratic values.
The Karnataka Media Council (KMC) was born out of this vital need — to protect the media sector, ensure the survival of existing media houses, and safeguard the livelihoods of countless creative professionals who depend on the industry for their work.
The idea took root during the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 crisis, when the media industry faced a severe upheaval. Struggling journalists and media workers united to create a support platform to navigate the crisis together. From this solidarity emerged the vision of a formal council.
By 2021, senior journalists and prominent media figures championed the initiative, culminating in the establishment of the Karnataka Media Council in 2023 as a prestigious state-level institution. With support from the decade-old Associated News Users (ANU) and other influential media leaders, the council was firmly positioned.
Our mission is clear — to keep Karnataka’s media sector strong, independent, and resilient, preserving its essential role as watchdog and “fourth branch” of democracy.