Industry body says ‘self-regulation’ is not sufficient. After the RTI Act has been used to improve transparency and functioning of government entities, attention turns towards the media for amendment to bring these TV channels under the ambit of the Act

        Media and Entertainment Council of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has proposed that ‘aggressive’ news channels must be brought under a public body and made accountable under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

       A press release says, “It is desirable to introduce appropriate checks and balances so that freedom and democracy are given real meanings and not misused. The way forward is co-regulation—rather than self-regulation—backed by a well-defined law.” Secretary general DS Rawat said, “Self-regulation is the norm that has high values and noble objectives. But in the context of modern-day broadcasting where we witness coming up of many regional and national channels, self-regulation may not be sufficient.”

         Terming the provisions in programming and advertising codes under the Cable Act and News Broadcasters Association’s code of ethics as ‘insufficient and incomprehensive’, Mr Rawat has urged for “more clarity through elaborate stakeholder consultations.” ASSOCHAM also says that the proposed legislative framework does not recognise the existing reality of social media as means of broadcasting; which must be taken in consideration.

       “The need of the hour requires an independent regulatory authority providing guidelines so that a broadcaster is restrained from actions leading to any disaster. The Content Code and Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill does not cover legal interests of consumers. Privacy rights and protection of relevant stakeholders have also not been given appropriate attention,” said Mr Rawat.

        The Content Code and Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill, 2006, has been widely criticised as a draconian measure, and for excluding public consultation on the process. Many attempts have been made to attempt to amend it and increase regulations on media content, but they have been met with severe public backlash.

        Reportedly, Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Ambika Soni is under consistent and heavy pressure to conciliate or control 'disobedient' television news channels; which according to the UPA government, is responsible for the ongoing national crisis.

          Currently the Indian television industry has over 600 channels (about 150 of them news-based) and is estimated to clock revenues of Rs32,000 crore by the year-end with 14% growth over 2010.

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