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.
