Blurring of news and views creates problems: Somnath

http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/16/stories/2006121606321200.htm

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Blurring of news and views creates problems: Somnath

Sandeep Dikshit

Media could do more in the area of social responsibility: N. Ram

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee on Friday lauded the
media's role in strengthening democracy but regretted that the
dividing line between views and news was increasingly getting blurred.

"I have no trouble with the media and appreciate its exposure of
corruption in public life and criticism of misgovernance. But
sometimes the blurring of views and news creates problems. There is
also the question of providing adequate space to legislative
proceedings and cynicism," he noted while inaugurating the national
seminar on `Legislature and Media: Reflections on Role and
Relationship' organised by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and
Training (BPST).

Terming the media as an important body, he emphasised that free media
was a Constitutional commitment but wondered whether it was the
responsibility of only the legislatures to ensure proper functioning
of democratic institutions.

Delivering the keynote address, Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu N. Ram
felt the media could do more in the area of social responsibility and
observed that it was its collective responsibility to isolate forces
trying to bring about degradation of the system of Parliamentary
governance.

Pointing out that the judiciary played a major role in recognising the
special role of the media, Mr. Ram, however, felt that in the absence
of a regulatory law there was "incomplete freedom" to the broadcast
media. "We don't want intolerant laws but India needs a broadcasting
framework which is liberal and broadcast media gets the same freedom
as the print sector."

He referred to three areas of concern for the media: the law of
criminal defamation has become a "major menace to vigorous
journalism"; the concept of contempt of court is illiberal especially
on the issue of scandalising the judges and interfering with justice;
and the legislature should reform the doctrine of unlimited
legislative privileges. Mr. Ram urged Parliament to take the lead in
the codification of privileges, which could be emulated by state
legislatures. Mr. Ram also emphasised that even if the media played an
opposition's role, the State Government had no right to harass a
newspaper.

Another panellist, Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune H.K. Dua, referred
to the ongoing attempt by the Andhra Pradesh Government to put
pressure on the Eenadu group that had declared itself as a strong
opponent of the Rajasekhara Reddy regime. He said the instruments of
state were being used against the media group and it was the beginning
of encroachment on press freedom.

Sangma's views


The former Lok Sabha Speaker, P.A. Sangma, said Parliament is not what
takes place on the floor of the House. The media should also take note
of the work that goes on in various Parliamentary committees.
Interestingly, Mr. Sangma did not think all adjournments were bad —
"it is the most powerful instrument in letting people know the
important issues" — but felt it was being used too often.

Societal cynicism


Mr. Dua referred to increasing societal cynicism towards politicians
and referred to The Hindu case in making his point about the "rising
intolerance" of legislatures towards the media. He also felt the
increase in the number of criminals entering the legislatures was
contributing to the cynicism.

However, the Speaker pointed out that out of the 545 Lok Sabha
Parliamentarians, only 40 had `criminal' cases against them. "I am not
prepared to accept that these 40 are dominating Parliament," he said.

Earlier, Honorary Adviser to the BPST, Margaret Alva, said the media
was a vital link between the people and the legislature.


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