Media against federal regulation

Indian news channels have moved for self-regulation in the wake of consultations between the government and stakeholders for government regulation of news content.

Although the motion for an autonomous body to oversee all aspects of the Indian broadcasting scenario is welcomed by some, the stand against a regulatory body is unanimous.

This has been reiterated by S. Manchanda NBA (News Broadcasters Association) who cites that the NBA is headed by an ex-chief justice authorized to take measures against errant channels. He also stated the work the NBA has carried out in transforming web content into news content.

A federal authortiy goes against the grain of democracy, as echoed by General NK Singh, Secretary, the Broadcast Editors Association.

According to Ambika Soni, Union I&B minister, difficulty in reaching a consensus stem from the media vie that regulation equals control of media freedom.