NEW DELHI: The Centre is deliberating on formulating a standard code of conduct for all tv channels however is but to take a call on it, stated Union Minister for Data and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Monday whereas talking peaking at a webinar organised by the Press Council of India (PCI) on the ‘Position of media through the Covid-19 pandemic and its affect on media’ on Nationwide Press Day.
There have been ongoing discussions to present extra energy to the PCI, the Union minister stated. “However for TV channels there isn’t a self-regulatory physique like PCI. We’re getting solutions to make a code of conduct for all TV channels however we’re but to take a call on it.
”He added the federal government didn’t wish to intervene however emphasised on the necessity for ‘accountable freedom’. “When the federal government is believing in you, it’s best to set an instance of accountable journalism and accountable freedom,” he stated.
There isn’t a regulatory physique for over-the-top (OTT) platforms and the federal government has acquired solutions on regulate their content material, stated Javadekar. He additionally touched upon the difficulty of press censorship. “Freedom of press is the soul of democracy.
Freedom of press is essential however any freedom comes with accountability…Information shouldn’t be to intentionally defame anybody. The way in which freedom of press is being attacked lately is just not good,” he stated. On TRP manipulation by some channels, Javadekar stated the committee fashioned by the federal government would quickly submit a report on it.
‘Adjust to FDI circumstances’
The I&B Ministry has advised digital information media retailers to adjust to circumstances that may make them eligible for 26 per cent FDI as authorized by the Union Cupboard final yr.
In a public discover, the ministry stated the entities which have international funding under 26 per cent ought to furnish an intimation to the ministry inside a month with particulars of the corporate/entity and its shareholding sample together with the names and addresses of its administrators and shareholders.
Presently, entities which have an fairness construction with international funding exceeding 26 per cent would additionally have to submit comparable particulars.
