#PressCouncilNeedsTeeth

[BNK 24x7]

Here is a topic that could be dear to all of us. The all important media watchdog, The Press Council is often called a toothless tiger!  It needs to empowered to take punitive action against all concerned and its scope too needs to be widened to function to protect democracy. I am sure you will agree and sign this online petition to the PM: #PressCouncilNeedsTeeth.

https://goo.gl/Kqeqj1 .

Thanks and regards

BNK

[S. Narendra]

BNK

This is not on. PCI does not want to get into court cases. Hence it does not want punitive powers. I drafted PCI revival bill draft in 1978, and dealt with the council . Judges who headed did not want such powers.

What is needed is a revamped media regulator, not a TRAI to regulate media.

Media does not want even PCI.

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Regards.

S.Narendra

First Media Cons

(former Information adviser to PM/PIO govt of India)

84,National Media Center,Shankar Ch,NH-8

Gurgaon Haryana-122002

Tel 01242359999/9810109097

[BNK 24x7]

This topic arose this morning again on media forums as the news of PCI censuring Palghar police for arresting two journalists appeared. PCI just censured the cops.

Prasar Bharati Chairman has indicated sometime ago that PCI scope shall be enlarged with powers. I think the Govt is working on a law. There are many who want to deal with rogue media!

Thanks & Regards
BNK 24x7
Hand phones: 98201 28332
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[S. Narendra]

Glad to note that but Government getting into media regulation by making PCI a tool is a possibility. I am wary.

[T.N.Ashok]

I am following the debate. PCI should be scrapped . I agree with Narendra jee who is well versed in these matters.

What we probably need is an non government independent advisory committee or regulatory framework within the working 

journalists act to ensure freedom of press, the right to criticize wrong policies of government in the larger interests of society ( like the 

4th amendment to the constitution (USA)???) , the right to bring to book rogue media, it needs a panel of experts drawn from 

the media, government, judiciary, industry, NGOs, and such others to first draft a code of ethics which can be later expanded by parliamentarians into a

reasonable viable law that can be enforced. let it take years to come, but let is be fair and just and equitable. let giver and taker be included in such a process so that there is no reason to complain that it was one sided , pro government or pro private. 

tn ashok 

ex editior pti

TN Ashok                 

Executive Editor, Corporate Tycoons.

Resident Editor, The Flag Post,

Contributor, Business Line, The Statesman,

Parliamentarian, Power Politics, NetIndian.in,

sarkaritel.com ,

Ex Economics Editor, PTI,

Ex Communications Advisor,

Alstom Group of Companies SA France

+91 98101 88700

+91 11 2271 3192

asho...@gmail.com

[S. Narendra]

Be wary of government efforts to regulate media and communications.They can pack regulators. 

Media today is commercial business.Big business is entering media.You cannot expect the cat to bell itself..

We need an independent regulator other than TRAI. PCI has failed miserably despite having judicial persons at the helm.They are ore interested in post retirement perks. A regulator should have the status of a High Court with penal powers and any appeal should only go to SC.

There should not be any state level set up.Any action against free speech by states should be questionable before the regulator.

Social media platforms purveying news,fake or otherwise should also come under such a regulator.

Please follow the current debate on social media in EU.Latest revelations in US media about the biggies like Facebook,Google should worry us all.Plus Russian medaling in US democratic processes is a wake up call.

Domestic political parties manipulating social media with Fake news,trolling by their proxies is a threat to free speech and our democracy.Most political parties love democracy when out of power.

I am flagging these points because Iwant us to think beyond news channels preoccupations.