Resolution Re. Forming Independent And Empowered Regulatory Authority Capable Of Taking Action Against Erring Media - Part 1
Mr. Vice-Chairman,
Sir, I move the following
Resolution:- "Having regard to the fact that –
(a) In Indian democracy, media has a
responsible role;
(b) Women are portrayed in poor light
through obscene, vulgar pictures/scenes;
(c) Entertainment free from obscenity,
vulgarity and violence, will be a sign for a healthy society;
(d) Media is required to be accountable
to the general public;
(e) Self-regulation is not properly
and appropriately followed by media;
(f) the Press Council of India does not
have enough teeth and authority to take action against abuse of independence by
media; and
(g) An independent regulatory authority
for media is necessary to check unhealthy tendencies, this House urges upon the
Government to form an independent and empowered regulatory authority capable of
taking action against erring media."
Mr. Vice-Chairman, Sir, as a matter
of fact the forefathers of our Constitution reposed immense faith in the media
expecting that it can play a very impartial, constructive and selfless role on
the matters relating to public interest. The belief is reflected more than
adequately in several concessions granted to media including the provisions of Article
19 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India, considering the media as an important
organ in the nation building. The media conducted itself on the strength of
ethical values coupled with self-restraint for considerable period. However, as
the media started expanding its activities on the strength of modern technological
advances, at times, unfortunately the issues which are interested to public
started overtaking the issues of public interest and welfare. This is further aggravated
with the advent of some business houses into media business bringing the
concept of profit-making through media business. All these changes have led to
the dilution of the moral values and self-regulation of our media. Sir, if we
take into account some of the recent controversies surrounding the media, it
clearly suggests that all is not well in this territory. It is needless to
emphasize the importance of a strong and impartial media in strengthening any
society and, at the same time, if we fail to contain and restrain negative and selfish
media elements, it can weaken the foundations of our well-preserved democratic
values, social harmony, uplift of weaker sections and national integration. Sir,
some of the recent developments, strongly, prompt me to say that in the name of
freedom of expression, some sections of the media at times have been brutally
suppressing the fundamental rights of selected individuals and groups purely due
to selfish reasons. In this context, I would like to quote a statement made by
an Editor-in-Chief of a television channel. I quote: "I guess journalists
are more feared today, but sadly less respected. We are more arrogant, less
ethical". The above statement clearly depicts the direction in which our
media is moving.
Sir, in a civilized society, many of
us expect everyone to conduct ethically and morally. Unfortunately, this rarely
happens and if it really happens, there is really no need for this august House
to deliberate and formulate innumerable laws. Sir, I find that strangely some
of the intelligent and senior functionaries argue that media should be left to
its own ethics and self-regulation. A point of consolation and appreciation is that
still some of the old media houses are following the journalism based on ethics
and self-regulation, even when some media houses are reckless and blatant in
their unethical approach. I am unable to understand the reason for this exception
of self-regulation and ethics only for media, when every citizen, employee,
constitutional functionaries, including he members of this hon. Parliament and
Judiciary are accountable and answerable for their actions.
Sir, can we expect a conduct guided
by ethics and morals from a media, which is aimed at improving its TRP ratings
at any cost? Can we call the media socially responsible and self-regulated,
which is promoting obscene programs in the name of reality shows wherein the
women and children are shown in poor light?
Sir, before sensationalization, nothing
is important including national security for some sections of media. , The
entire country watched with shock the live telecast of commando operations
during the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. This telecast might not have benefitted
the country but the terrorists got immense benefit' as their masters could guide
them depending on the information gathered through telecasts. The media should
have been more responsible enough to telecast these shots only after the conclusion
of commando operations.
Sir, it is an undeniable fact that
in the recent times some mafias on the strength of the ill-gotten wealth
accumulated through corrupt practices got entry into media business and started
promoting totally truth less, biased, motivated and illegal news targeting
their opponents in the business and politics. These forces hardly give any
value for social decency either, in promoting episodes relating to women,
children and other weaker sections. This reckless behavior of a section of our media,
if not checked and restrained, can derail social harmony and national
integration.
Sir, I am sure it is in the minds of
every one of us as to how, recently, one TV Channel tried to intimidate a
business house for financial gains. Similar such incidents are happening to intimidate
political opponents and spread communal and religious hatred. Sir, the most unfortunate
and most damaging is the extensive trial by media in some sensational cases
even before the trial started by the hon. Courts and decided. No one can enjoy
unlimited rights at the cost of the fundamental rights of others
It is pertinent to mention here that
the hon. Supreme Court held recently that when there is a conflict between
right to dignity and freedom of speech, the latter should give way to the
former. Sir, what will happen to the morale and morals of our society if money
power coupled with media power is allowed to project a blatant lie as a
monument of truth repeatedly?
Sir, the days are gone when media
was viewed as only a source of information and on the contrary the media is
playing a crucial and decisive role in crystallizing public opinion on any
issue, taking advantage of its vast circulation and proximity to the people. A
responsible media can be a guide and protector to the society and similarly,
the irresponsible and selfish media can
be a destroyer, worse than any infectious disease which ultimately can drive us
to a primitive world. This fact underlines the necessity of transforming our media
into an unbiased and selfless tool. This can be possible only through
introspection by every stakeholder in the country.
Sir, considering all the points narrated
above, I strongly advocate the necessity of creating a Constitutional Authority
to regulate media.
Sir, I would like to clarify that by
saying 'regulation' I do not mean 'control.' As all of you are aware, the
'control' does not allow freedom, whereas the 'regulation' allows freedom but
with reasonable restrictions and a watch.
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