The Hindu Business Line : News channel editors write to PM

New Delhi, Jan. 13 Top editors of leading television news channels have complained to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, against the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s move to amend laws to prohibit live coverage of crisis such as the terror attack in Mumbai.

The Prime Minister currently also holds charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

TV coverage of the attacks last November had come under strong censure by both the public as well as Government and other institutions.

In response, the News Broadcaster Association had drafted a new set of guidelines for its members.

The editors of leading channels who have put their name to the mail sent to the PM on Monday, argue that the media should be allowed to regulate itself in a democracy. Describing the move as an attempt to “gag the electronic media” and “draconian” the editors go on to say, “If instruments of the State begin to regulate us, the damage to democracy and all stakeholders in democracy would be irreparable”.

The letter has been signed by 15 editors, editorial heads from channels such as Times Now, Star News, NDTV 24x7, Aaj Tak, CNN IBN, Zee News and India who have requested for a meeting with the PM.

In December, on request from security agencies to ensure the media isn’t too close to and quick to report on future national crisis, the Ministry of I&B moved towards amending the Cable Television Networks Rules.

It is reported to be considering only allowing coverage that deferred live and has been approved by an authorised officer.

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