Govt slams news channels over coverage of Delhi protests

MUMBAI: After being caught completely off-guard by the massive protests in New Delhi to condemn the rise in rape cases, the government has blamed ?some? news channels for irresponsible reporting that led to the deterioration of the law and order situation.

The Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has issued an advisory asking news channels to adhere to the Programme Code laid down in the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 failing which the government will take appropriate action.

"It has been observed that some private satellite news TV channels in their 24X7 coverage have not been showing due responsibility and maturity in telecasting the events relating to the said demonstration and such a telecast is likely to cause deterioration in the law & order situation, hindering the efforts of the law enforcing authorities," the advisory from I&B ministry Joint Secretary Supriya Sahu read.

The government said that the Rule 6(1)(e) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, which contains the Programme Code, provides that no programme should be carried in the cable service which is likely to encourage or incite violence or contains anything against maintenance of law and order or which promotes anti-national attitude.

"Now, therefore, all private satellite television channels are advised to scrupulously follow the Programme Code laid down in the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 and to ensure to telecast the matter in a responsible manner with due care, maturity and restraint," the advisory added.

The government also warned that, "Any violation of the Programme Code will invite such action as provided for in the Cable Television (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the Rules framed there under as well as the terms & conditions stipulated in Uplinking & Downlinking Guidelines."