Insta
Govt Mulling Common Code Of Conduct For TV Channels, Strengthening Of Ratings Mechanism: Prakash Javadekar
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar (Pic Via Twitter)
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Monday (16 November) said that the government is mulling over a new code of conduct for news channels in addition to strengthening the regulatory mechanism for news media, reports Times of India.
Speaking on the occasion of the National Press Day, Javadekar stressed that the government wanted to refrain from interfering in news media. However, the ministry is considering some regulatory issues as people are demanding for more powers to be given to the Press Council of India (PCI).
“Freedom of press is being discussed again today and I said that the way press freedom is being attacked, that is not good… Press Council of India (PCI) is another mechanism of self-regulation. Though the head is appointed by the government, it has representatives of press owners, editors, journalists, photographers and parliamentarians. But people are demanding that the PCI should be given more powers. That is also being considered,” Javadekar was quoted as saying in a webinar.
The I&B Minister acknowledged the absence of a regulatory body for TV news. He said that the National Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) is an establishment in which complaints can be registered and the body even punishes the culpable channels. However, Javadekar said that several channels are not a member of the NBSA, which allows them to operate without any restrictions. “Such a system cannot exist,” the minister said.
The Rajya Sabha MP revealed that the government never interfered with the BARC as advertisers and broadcasters were in unison. However, the I&B ministry is now looking to reinforce the mechanism of TV ratings.
“Now the time has come that we have to interfere... How to kill the possibility of manipulation, we have created a committee for it, and it will give a report soon on what is possible,” Javadekar stated.
He also expressed concerns over the lack of a regulating body for OTT platforms.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
