Proposal for 2-yr ban on media ads by Govt akin to financial censorship: INS

Shailesh Gupta, President of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS), has condemned Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s suggestion to the Prime Minister for a two-year ban on media advertisements by the Government and PSUs. In a statement issued, Gupta said, “Such a proposal tantamounts to financial censorship. It is a very small amount as far as government spending is concerned, but it’s a huge amount for the Newspaper industry, which is essential for any vibrant democracy, and is struggling to survive.” 

Gupta points out that print is the only industry which has a Wage Board and the Government decides how much the employees should be paid. “This being the only industry where market forces don’t decide salaries, the Government has a responsibility towards the industry,” he stressed. Further, in the age of fake news and distortion, Print is the best platform to get news and views directly across to the people in every nook and corner of the Country, for both – the Government and for the Opposition. 

“There is already a decline in advertisement and circulation revenue due to recession and the digital onslaught, further to add to the problem we now face severe financial crisis due to the complete lockdown of industries and business. At a time like this when media personnel are risking their lives and bringing news on the Pandemic situation, the suggestion of the Congress President for a two-year ban on media advertisements is deeply disturbing and demotivating for the entire media industry,” the statement added. 

The INS appealed to the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party to reconsider and withdraw the suggestion made to the Prime Minister about the “Complete ban” on media advertisements for two years in the interest of a “vibrant and free Press”.