Regulate Digital Media

admin September 18, 2020 Daily Current Affairs

The Union government said the Supreme Court should frame guidelines drawing the line between journalistic freedom and responsible journalism for digital media first rather than mainstream electronic and print media.
Web-based news portals, YouTube channels as well as Over The Top (OTT) platforms had huge potential to become viral.
Unlike mainstream publication and telecast, digital media was perpetually widening its viewership, like in a loop, through multiple web and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook.
Hence, what was written or shown in digital media had “serious impact and potential.
It was responding to a proposal by the court to frame guidelines against communal and derogatory content in mainstream media.
The court had mooted the idea while staying the broadcast of show “Bindas Bol” on Sudarshan TV.
The show is accused of “vilifying” members of the Muslim community who join the civil services.
The Centre’s affidavit is not limited to Sudarshan TV.
It focuses on the larger aspect of framing of media guidelines.
It said digital media should not be overlooked at any cost.
The court underlined that “journalistic freedom is not absolute”.