Media Groups Demand Inclusive Dialogues on Proposed Media Council

Media organizations demanded public consultations with journalists and stakeholders regarding the establishment of a media council. They stress the need for representatives from the industry to be included in decision-making, opposing government-imposed regulation over self-regulation and aiming to replace the ineffective Press Council of India.

Media organizations are urging the government to engage in open dialogues with journalists and relevant parties before establishing a media council. On Wednesday, several journalists' unions, including the Brihanmumbai and Delhi Unions of Journalists, expressed the need for broad consensus in any regulatory proposal.

The call for inclusion follows a suggestion by a parliamentary panel to create an overarching body regulating print, broadcast, and digital media. The panel's recommendation, however, is seen by many in the media as promoting governmental control rather than self-regulation.

Journalists' associations have long advocated for a media council to replace the Press Council of India, which they deem ineffective. They insist any new body should involve media representatives, media unions, and independent public figures for a balanced and fair regulatory process.

(With inputs from agencies.)