Accountability reforms for the fourth pillar – Ombudsman or PCI

The need for the setup of a Media Monitoring Commission has become vital to maintain the principles of journalism, its ethics and morality in the electronic media. Since, electronic media is no different than the age old print media in terms of objectives, thus, same standards of accountability shall be made for the electronic media as well. Press Council of India is having a dialogue with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in this regard and is insisting upon the fact that the electronic media shall follow the Code of Conduct defined under Section 13(2) of the Press Council Act, 1978. Press Council did not specify different rules for the three primary wings of media, that is, print, radio and television media, during its formation in July 1966 as television and radio were administered through government machinery under Doordarshan and AIR. But now, as the private sector has almost completely taken over the television and radio industry, it becomes necessary that certain rules and regulations must be made mandatory to be followed by the electronic media, to maintain the standards of journalism. A section of the Indian intelligentsia is being heard advocating the institution of Lok Pal to act as an ombudsman towards electronic media. Such a step might cause hindrances in the freedom of the media that might lead to further deterioration of media standards. Press Council is a far better alternative as it is already functioning in the same field. It can further receive recommendations from the News Broadcasters Association and Indian Broadcasting Association in this regard. It high time now and electronic media accountability reform is the need of the hour to avoid situations like 26/11 that caused further loss of lives during the rescue operation and Anna Hazare movement that exhibited the biased media approach leading to an anti-government movement in the name of some ‘revolution.’ Media shall not forget that the ethics expect the professionals to present the proof of facts rather than libellously acting against individuals. The I&B Ministry shall respond positively to the recommendations and suggestions of the new PCI chairman and enforce new media laws that shall expect electronic media to act more responsibly.

ABOUT THE HARBINGER

Founded:February 2009 by Mass Communication students of IMS Dehra Dun.

Website:http://theharbinger2009@hotmail.com

Company Overview:It is a bilingual newspaper in its process to get registered and circulated within Dehra Dun districtin its initial stages.

It is a nationalistic-socialist newspaper that would be functioning far from the malicious business of yellow journalism and would project its image as a high quality mirror of the societyand the nation.

Mission:
1. To revamp and strengthen the national integration of India.

2. To create a sense of responsiblity and awareness in the citizens towards their fundamental rights and duties.

3. To undertake the challenege of being the watchdog of the politicians and the bureaucrats.

4. To upgrade the level of journalism in India.

5. To build a nationalist-socialist approach in our 'karma' that should only be performed towards nation building and social welfare.Products:An eight page bilingual fortnightly newspaper