The Hindu Business Line : Media panel to frame rules for crisis situations

New Delhi, Dec. 21 The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has announced the setting up of a Standing Media Consultative Committee to be chaired by the Secretary, I&B.

“Extraordinary circumstances require careful coverage, not hampering rescue or counter operations,” said Mr Anand Sharma, Minister of State, I&B, according to an official release.

The committee will have representatives of key ministries, News Broadcasters Association and Editor’s Guild as members. A training programme is being introduced in consultation with the Ministries of Home and Defence for media persons on how to cover crisis situations, without exposing themselves to risks, added Mr Sharma. He was speaking at an event in Panaji, Goa.

A mechanism is being developed through which official media briefings will be held and authorised video footage will be supplied to broadcasters during crisis situations.

Mr Sharma, who also holds the External Affairs portfolio, said the world had spoken in one language against terror and the global response had isolated Pakistan. He hoped diplomatic efforts would yield the desired results and added, “India keeps all options open”.

The Minister also welcomed the news coverage guidelines for crisis situations formulated by the News Broadcasters’ Association. High-level meetings were held between representatives of media and secretaries of key Ministries such as Home, Defence, Tourism and I&B before the ethics of news journalism were formulated.