BROADCASTING NEEDS REGULATOR: PRASAD

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The Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad has said that there is a definite need for a separate regulatory body for electronic media. Speaking on the occasion of the National Press Day celebrations here today, the Minister indicated that the Press Council of India’s recommendations on the need to have a mechanism aimed at regulating the fast growing television network, was under active consideration. He said the content and advertisement on televisions need to be codified and he proposes to put the issue on national debate before arriving at an applicable conclusion. Shri Prasad said empowerment of Press Council was desirable but not at the cost of impinging on the freedom of press.

The Minister said media has a vital role to play in strengthening the democracy and thus acquires natural right to inform without fear. A free press can exist in a vibrant democracy therefore it is imperative on the part of press to strengthen democracy. It needs to keep in mind the grass-root realities and report without any biases. The right to inform has to be the integral role of media it should also shun pessimism and notice positive developments of the society, he added.

Shri Prasad said that the media in India is undergoing a total metamorphosis and its institutional role was being threatened by corporate commerce. The traditional role of media has come under question because of immense competition and cross-media ownership. He said the institutional role of media needs prominence and the Government on its part has no intention to intervene. He said that the same time media also needs to be careful and a responsible pillar of the society.