Top editors of all the major news channels met today to discuss the proposed amendments to the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act and the serious implications of this move. The editors unanimously agreed the proposed amendments are the most serious assault on the principles of free media and right to speech and expression. Expressing deep concern over the attempts to completely subjugate the media to government control, the editors have now decided to meet Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to impress upon him to intervene in the matter.
As all of you know, the government’s proposed amendment of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Rules is aimed at reining in media in the name of coverage of anti-terror operations, sex, crimes, narco-analysis footage etc. The self-regulation attempts which were put in place by the news channels have been completely disregarded by the government and attempts are now being made to completely subjugate the media into virtually perform the role of government public relations wing.
As you are aware, once the notification to this effect is through (Regulation) Act, 1995 (as amended in 2003), the District Magistrates and Sub-divisional Magistrates besides Commissioners of police will have the power to block live transmission by any channel and confiscate transmission equipment.
The worst aspect of the proposal is the plan to provide visuals and footage through a nodal agency in such any situation deemed which is deemed “nationally important.” What it means is television channels can no longer cover communal riots and even agitations like the one seen in Rajasthan during the Gujjar Andolan etc.
Under the proposed amendments officers will have the power to decide whether repeat telecast of a footage is necessary (and thereby in the national interest) or not; whether any information is unauthenticated and therefore be blocked. These authorities will also decide whether any phone-in of a reporter and victim or their interviews disturbs public order or is against national interest.
The editors unanimously stressed the fact the existing laws already arm the government with substantial powers to legally act against channels which are violating the conditions laid out under the licensing agreements. There are instances where the authorities have invoked such powers to caution or penalize channels which are violating the rules. It was stressed the fact that the government still has decided to proceed and amend the law indicates the intention behind such a move is more to gag and disallow the media from performing its duties and not so much to create a penal provision against violators.
The editors, who have been raising this issue with all stakeholders across the country, expressed satisfaction at the overwhelming support it had received for its view. The Editors Guild of India, the apex body of all newspapers across India, is among those who have expressed their unstinted support of this stand.
The editors stated the government needs to take a mature and constitutional view of their proposed amendments and stressed why the amendments were almost a throwback to the era of Emergency. They added the government must not go ahead with the proposed amendments which would be the worst possible assault on the Fourth Estate, a critical role in the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy.
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