Media
Election signs
May 11, 2008, Sevanti Ninan, The Hindu
Electronic communication is now one of the key mechanisms of reaching out to the masses of India, both in urban and rural areas. Prasar Bharati which determines the public broadcasting content has unfortunately become a tool for successive governments for its own publicity. Its impartiality and autonomy has suffered a further setback with the appointment of civil servants to the primary posts.
Content code: MIB places self-regulation guidelines before court
March 24, 2008, Sujit Chakraborty, Indiantelevision.com
The new regulatory guidelines of the government for the broadcasting sector propose a two-tier set up run entirely by the broadcasters, says this report. Whereas the content auditors would have had to report directly to the government as per the earlier clause, the new guidelines propose that the auditors report to the chief editor on violations, who will then decide on what goes on air.
Concern over content and conduct
September 22, 2007, Ammu Joseph, India Together
This article highlights the need to address the growing concern about questionable norms and practices of mass media in India. It describes some of the obstacles faced by the government's Broadcast Bill and Content Code, which seek to regulate the broadcast industry.
Community radio at last?
October 18, 2006, The Hoot
The Indian government has moved forward on a decision allowing NGOs to apply for licences without a fee and to have five minutes of advertising per hour of radio broadcasting. This has been made possible through constant lobbying for opening up community radio, thus eroding the opposition from ministries such as Home Affairs. In 2002, educational institutions were permitted to get licences, but not many took advantage of this opportunity.
