The Government has made it clear that it is against any interference in the working and functioning of the media and suggested that it should have its own self-mechanisms to maintain accountability and responsibility .
Taking part in a discussion on the functioning of the media and freedom of expression in the Rajya Sabha, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar asserted that media’s freedom will be maintained and there will not be any attempt to gag it. He added that the Press Council of India (PCI) has to be strengthened in such a way that it can act properly as a watch dog.
“No freedom comes without responsibility. Media has to devise its own mechanisms. These self-mechanisms should have provision for penal action for irresponsible reporting,” Javadekar said. The Minister also mentioned `sensationalism’ in news reports related to political leaders or other public figures which has at times led people to commit suicide.
While talking about social media Javadekar called for evolving a mechanism to regulate social media. He said this is an issue for consideration but it pertains to a subject administered by another ministry as social media is covered under the Information and Technology laws.
The Minister said the PCI for the print media was a “toothless wonder” and even its orders are not published.
Issues related to paid news, cross holdings by media companies, neutrality of media houses, working condition of journalists were some of the issues elaborately discussed. Samajwadi Party’s Naresh Agrawal demanded restriction on social media saying that it is affecting younger generation.
Trinamool Congress’s Derek O’Brien raised a point of need for an independent regulatory mechanism for media. He suggested setting up of an expert committee on social media also.
BJP’s Tarun Vijay said China has 22 correspondents to cover India, while there are only 3 Indian correspondents covering China. “China is reported to India through foreign news agencies. Why don’t Indian media houses deploy their correspondents in countries like China, Pakistan, Sri lanka and Nepal,” Vijay said.
Condemning the ban on two television channels —TV9 and Andhra Jyothi — in Telangana, members wanted the Government to address the issue and protect media freedom.