MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP
The Federation shall have the following categories of membership:
  • Founder Membership
  • Regular Membership
  • Associate Membership
  • Student Membership
  • Corporate Membership
  • Honorary Membershi
ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be open to eligible individuals, organizations, institutions, and media entities from Tamil Nadu and all other States and Union Territories of India, subject to the approval of the Federation and compliance with its Rules, Regulations, Code of Ethics, and Membership Criteria.
Eligible applicants may include:
  1. Print News Publishers
  2. Digital News Publishers
  3. Magazine Publishers
  4. News Website Owners
  5. Broadcasting and Media Organizations
  6. OTT and Digital Content Platforms
  7. Independent Journalists
  8. Media Entrepreneurs
  9. Public Relations and Communication Professionals
  10. Content Creators and Influencers
  11. Media and Journalism Students
  12. Corporate Organizations engaged in Media, Publishing, Broadcasting, Advertising, Public Relations, or Communication sectors

MANDATORY ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

In addition to the above categories, applicants shall satisfy the following minimum eligibility requirements:

1. Minimum Operational Experience

Any media organization, publication, news website, digital platform, broadcasting entity, media startup, or media entrepreneur applying for membership shall have been actively operating and functioning for a minimum period of one (1) continuous year prior to the date of application.

The applicant shall provide documentary evidence of such operation, including but not limited to registration certificates, publication records, website records, business registrations, broadcasting records, social media presence, or any other documents deemed acceptable by the Federation.

2. Good Standing and Legal Compliance

The applicant, proprietor, owner, publisher, editor, managing director, chief executive, trustee, partner, or principal office bearer of the applying organization shall maintain good professional standing and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

3. Criminal Background Requirement

The proprietor, owner, publisher, editor, managing director, chief executive, trustee, partner, or principal office bearer of the applicant organization shall not have been convicted by any court of law for any criminal offence involving fraud, corruption, forgery, cybercrime, financial misconduct, organized crime, offences against women or children, hate-related offences, or any offence involving moral turpitude.

The Federation reserves the right to seek declarations, supporting documents, or conduct verification wherever necessary before granting membership.

4. Ethical Media Practice

The applicant shall demonstrate a commitment to ethical journalism, responsible publishing, factual reporting, and professional media practices and shall not be involved in the deliberate dissemination of fake news, misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, or unlawful content.

5. Federation Approval


Membership shall become effective only upon verification of eligibility, approval by the authorized committee of the Federation, and payment of the prescribed membership fee.

The decision of the Federation regarding admission, suspension, rejection, or termination of membership shall be final and binding. :::

This wording is legally safer than simply saying “No criminal cases,” because in India a person can have a case filed against them and later be found innocent. Using “shall not have been convicted by any court of law” is generally more defensible and professional in a constitution/by-laws document.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Applicants shall:
  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • Possess a genuine interest or involvement in media, publishing, journalism, broadcasting, communication, or related industries.
  • Submit a completed membership application form with supporting documents.
  • Agree to abide by the Trust Deed, By-Laws, Code of Ethics, and Rules of the Federation.
  • Pay the prescribed membership fee as determined by the Executive Committee from time to time.
RIGHTS OF MEMBERS
Every eligible member shall have the right to:
  • Participate in Federation activities.
  • Attend meetings, workshops, conferences, and training programs.
  • Receive membership recognition and certification.
  • Participate in networking and collaboration initiatives.
  • Receive updates, opportunities, and communications issued by the Federation.
  • Avail benefits, services, and programs offered by the Federation in accordance with applicable rules.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS
Members shall:
  • Follow ethical journalism standards.
  • Avoid fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
  • Maintain professional conduct and integrity.
  • Support the Vision, Mission, and Objectives of the Federation.
  • Respect democratic, constitutional, and human values.
  • Protect the reputation and interests of the Federation.
DISQUALIFICATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership may be suspended or terminated for:
  • Fake news dissemination.
  • Hate speech or inflammatory content.
  • Unlawful or criminal activities.
  • Misuse of the Federation’s name, logo, identity, or membership credentials.
  • Submission of false information or forged documents.
  • Violation of the Trust Deed, By-Laws, Rules, or Code of Ethics.
  • Activities detrimental to the interests and reputation of the Federation.

GOVERNING BODY

The affairs of the Federation shall be managed by the Executive Committee consisting of:

President
Vice Presidents
General Secretary
Joint Secretaries
Treasurer
Executive Committee Members