Media gag proposal unlikely to be revived by UPA govt says TOI

It was Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's decisive intervention that put the proposed gags on media into cold storage as he over-ruled the views of junior ministers pushing for wide-ranging curbs on TV channels. Sources said the PM felt that the ministers had misread the post-Mumbai attacks "mood" and that while there was support for tough action against terrorism, it did not extend to sanitising or curtailing TV channels. With elections just round the corner, he did not want to raise a fresh controversy either. It is now unlikely that the proposal will be revived until the next government is in office despite the government having spoken of wide-ranging consultations with media organisations. And with it has gone, what officials see as an opportunity to arrive at an agreement on issues like televising operational details and conducting interviews with terrorists in hostage situations. more on this story
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/PMs_intervention_helped_channels_beat_gag_proposal/rssarticleshow/4003680.cms

Government puts the media bill on hold

The union government will not go ahead with the proposed changes in the cable network rule immdiately. Following the protest the Prime minister's office has issued a statement short while ago.Following is the text of the statement-

PM assures consultation on proposed changes in Cable Television Network Rules.

The Prime Minister has received several representations from the media agencies regarding certain proposed changes in the Cable Television Network Rules currently under consideration. He has assured that the matter will be taken up for finalization only after the widest possible consultation with all the stakeholders and eliciting their different points of view on the proposed changes.

CPM Writes to PM over proposed regulation on media, asks government not to act in haste

CPM General Secretary Praksash Karat has asked prime Minister Manmohan singh not take take any step "to empower the government and the administration to further regulate the news channels". Mr karat has sent a letter to Prime Minister today over the proposed curbs on electronic media. Editors of major TV Channels had met Mr. Karat yesterday urging him to take up this issue with the government. Following is the text of letter sent by Mr Karat to Prime minister
*******************
January 14, 2009




Dear Dr. Manmohan Singh,


It is reported that the government is proposing an amendment to the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Rules. This is meant to regulate content in the electronic media.


Our Party is of the opinion that there should be no hasty step taken regarding media regulation. Our Party is of the view that apart from the self-regulatory mechanism put in place by the news channels, it is necessary to have co-regulation through an independent regulatory body.


How this is to be done has to be discussed and a common approach arrived at. Till then, no steps should be taken to empower the government and the administration to further regulate the news channels.


With regards,
Yours sincerely




(Prakash Karat)
General Secretary

Return of censor blog in the TOI

'It's a return of censors'
14 Jan 2009, 0514 hrs IST, Himanshi Dhawan, TNN

NEW DELHI: With the government digging in its heels to push in amendments to the Cable Television Network Regulations Act, television channels have
struck back. Broadcasters have expressed their reservations on the proposed amendments on a recently created — returnofcensor.blogspot.com.
More on this story clickhttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Its_a_return_of_censors/articleshow/3975568.cms