What's new(s)? Govt 'kill Bill' set to muzzle media

GAGGING THE MEDIA? Panelists debate if the Bill will destroy the freedom of Press in India.

        

THE BROADCAST BILL

All TV and radio channels will be licensed.

Licenses can be revoked on non-compliance.

Sports signals will have to be shared with DD.

Government will contain cross-media.

On-air content to be minutely regulated.

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Keywords: Broadcasting Services Regulatory Bill, news channels

“Let me assure you that you can be using the same word (farcical) and even stronger words whenever you want even though the Bill is passed,” said Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

Singhvi added that there has been a detailed interaction with stakeholders.

Press for Public Service

But what is the government trying to control at a time when the Press plays the role of public service in the country? People got hope from the Press in the Jessica Lall and Priyadashini Mattoo case.

“You are just assuming that all those will be censored. But no country leaves or gives up the right to regulate even on grounds of national security. The media is getting hyper,” Singhvi said.

But Ashutosh pointed out that in a meeting with the editors all of them, “in unanimity, have rejected the Bill. Forget discussing the Bill.”

He added that the bill is “anti-democratic”, “anti-Constitution”, “anti-civil society” and is insensitive to the freedom of expression.

“What is anti-democratic is that the editors are not willing to discuss,” Singhvi retorted.

The AICC spokesperson informed that the ministry has already had five rounds of discussion and they are going to have five more rounds of discussion before the Bill is actually made final.

“It’s an absolute draft and is nowhere near finality. We have tried to be made the most democratic, non-governmental intrusive, self-regulatory mechanism. And if you thing you should not have national security concerns for interference, then go look at al the model laws in US and Germany,” Singhvi said.

But you can’t compare US or UK to India where there is mass abuse of public power, official misdemeanour and misuse of public office. We need a much more active and vigilant Press.

Nalini Singh said “But in a population of 110 crore people, how do you funnel what all these people are thinking about what the media means to them via 10 discussions.”

“How are we going to report a Nandigram? According to the Bill, political and industrial controversy cannot be reported,” the senior journalist added.

But will the industry come together like they did when the Defamation Bill of the Rajiv Gandhi government came out in 1998?

The Press rose against the proposed law, which aimed at curtailing investigative reporting and curbing the traditional independence the Press.

“I doubt it. Because there is a whole lot of money that has been invested in the electronic medium and there is going to be a massive investment. I am not sure if it’s going to be as spontaneous and all embracing as that march to India Gate against the Defamation Bill,” Singh said.