Ministry of I&B calls for caution in coverage of incidents of terrorist attacks

(PIB NEWS) The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India has advised electronic media to exercise caution while providing coverage to the incidents of terrorist attacks. The text of the fresh advisory is as follows: “This is in continuation of the directives issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 27th November 2008 and 3rd December 2008, regarding the coverage of incidents by electronic media during terrorist attacks in Mumbai. In the said directive, TV channels were asked to exercise caution while providing coverage to the incidents to avoid any adverse consequences on the rescue operations. It has also been noted that in the past some TV channels arranged and telecast interviews with terrorists/terrorist groups. In a particular case, a prominent TV channel telecast a phone interview with a dreaded terrorist who tried to internationalize the Kashmir issue using the electronic mass media. This kind of coverage can cause confusion amongst domestic and international audiences. The interviews with terrorists have also provided a platform to them to justify their nefarious activities and obtain coverage on prominent channels which is seen as a major achievement and enabling them to put forward their distorted views to a wide audience. Such undue coverage to terrorists and allowing them to air their views freely can jeopardize national security as well. This matter has been under examination in this Ministry and in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Government has taken a very serious view regarding airing of interviews with terrorists/terrorist groups by TV Channels. While the media has generally played a very constructive role in bringing out relevant issues regarding terrorism and has condemned terrorists for their brutal and ruthless ways, it must, however, be again emphasized that media must continue to cover terrorism and terrorist related issues with great responsibility and sensitivity. In the interests of national security and on the advice of Ministry of Home Affairs, the media is hereby advised to avoid giving undue coverage to terrorists and terrorist groups which may help them to advance their political agenda. Such coverage would amount to gross violation of the provisions of the Programme Code contained in the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 and Rules framed thereunder.”
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