Code Of Ethics Electronic Media

What are the suggestions by NBA?

• NBA suggested that the court direct the government to include its ethical code in the Programme Code of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.
• All news channels, whether they are NBA members or not, will then have to follow the Programme Code containing the proposed amendments.
• The NBA affidavit is in response to an order by the Supreme Court on September 18 to suggest measures to strengthen the self-regulatory mechanism to prevent or penalise airing of communal or derogatory content in the electronic media.
• News Broadcasters Services Authority (NBSA) should be granted recognition as an “independent self-regulatory mechanism” to receive and deal with complaints.
  • Its code of ethics should be given a statutory recognition by making it a part of the Programme Code under the Cable TV Rules
  • NBSA should be made binding and enforceable on the channels.
  • Recognition to NBSA would strengthen News Broadcasting Standards Regulations, adding that penalties should be made stringent.
• Background of a plea
  • To stop the telecast of a programme Bindas Bol on Sudarshan TV containing objectionable content against the Muslim entries into the civil services.
  • It was found was Primafacie it was found that it hurt a community. 

What can be Done ? 

• Balance the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort.
• Show compassion for those who may be affected by any programme including TV News.
• Legal access to information differs from an ethical justification to publish or broadcast.
• The programme should keep the minimum ethics so that it do not tamper the interest of public and country. 

Source : The Hindu

Topic

GS II : Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

Current Affairs Compilation : 21 September 2020