Issues of "rampant" paid news, fake news, the focus of many TV news channels on sensationalism, and the struggles of traditional newspapers due to digital disruption and declining readership are likely to be discussed in a parliamentary committee meeting on Friday, sources said.
The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, headed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, is scheduled to "review the implementation of laws related to all forms of media" during the meeting, where a host of media-related factors will be discussed.
Sources on Thursday said the panel may also highlight its concerns over the disproportionate coverage given to crime and celebrity news at the expense of important and serious news, as some channels resort to sensationalism in the pursuit of TRPs.
Media trials of sensational cases sometimes shape public opinion and influence their legal course, and the committee cannot overlook this, the sources said.
The issue of TV debates often turning into platforms for shouting matches and mud-slinging is also expected to be raised in the meeting.
A source said conflicts of interest involving media owners, journalists, and political entities affect the credibility of the news, and ethical boundaries are frequently crossed due to the lack of a strong regulatory mechanism.
Among other key issues that may draw the committee’s concern are the expensive and prolonged legal battles faced by journalists and media houses, which discourage investigative journalism.
The severe financial crunch facing regional and vernacular media, as well as the impact of fake news, which is playing "havoc" in the country, particularly during elections, is also likely to be discussed, a source said.
Another issue expected to attract the panel’s attention is the control of social media by large foreign corporate firms, as this can cause irreparable damage to society, political leaders, political parties, and even the country unless properly regulated.
The Information and Broadcasting Secretary, the CEO of Prasar Bharati, the Press Registrar General, and the chairperson of the Press Council of India are among the key functionaries expected to appear before the committee.
The panel is also expected to review the evolution of laws and other mechanisms related to the media since the enactment of the Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867, which was later replaced by the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023.
The functioning of the Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory quasi-judicial body operating under the Press Council of India Act, 1978, is also likely to be discussed, sources said.
The PCI’s main objectives include preserving press freedom and maintaining and improving the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India.
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