Parl. panel likely to take up issues of fake, paid news, neglect of serious news

Issues of "rampant" paid news, fake news, many TV news channels focusing on sensationalism, and traditional newspapers' struggle owing to digital disruption and declining readership are likely to figure in a parliamentary committee meeting on Friday, 31 January, sources said.

The standing committee on communications and information technology headed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is scheduled to "review implementation of laws related to all forms of media" at the meeting, in which a host of factors related to the media will be discussed.

Sources on Thursday said the panel may also highlight its concerns over disproportionate coverage given to crime and celebrity news at the cost of important and serious news as some channels turn to sensationalism for the sake of chasing TRPs.

Media trials of sensational cases at times shape public opinion and affect their legal course, and the committee cannot overlook it, the sources said.

TV debates that often turn into shouting matches and a platform for mud-slinging are expected to figure in the meeting as well.

A source said conflicts of interest involving media owners, journalists and political entities affect the credibility of news, and ethical boundaries are crossed many a time owing to lack of a strong regulatory mechanism.

Among other key issues that may draw the committee's attention is the expensive and long-drawn legal battles faced by journalists and media houses that discourage investigative journalism.

Severe financial crunch facing regional and vernacular media, and fake news, are playing "havoc" in the country especially during elections, a source said.

Among other items likely to invite the panel's attention is the control of social media by big corporate firms based abroad and how this can cause irreparable damage to society, political leaders, political parties and even to the country unless regulated properly.

The information and broadcasting secretary, Prasar Bharti CEO, press registrar-general and Press Council of India chairperson are among the important functionaries expected to appear before the committee.

The panel is also expected to traverse the journey of laws and other mechanisms related to the media since the enactment of the Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act (1867), later replaced with the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill (2023).

The functioning of the Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory quasi-judicial body under the Press Council of India Act (1978) is also likely to come up for discussion, the sources said. The PCI's main objectives include preserving freedom of the press, and maintaining and improving the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India.