NEW DELHI, Aug 8:
Expressing concern over reports of curbing the independence of media and restricting freedom of expression, the Rajya Sabha members today demanded an appropriate mechanism to save the fourth pillar of the democracy.
Initiating a short duration discussion on ‘Reported attempts to curb the independence of media and restrict the freedom of expression’, TDP member Y S Chowdary said freedom of speech and expression can be enforced only by the Legislative means within the framework of Article 19(2). He also informed about the rights granted under the Article 19(1) about freedom of speech and expression.
On the corrupt practices of politicians and some big industrial houses, the TDP member alleged that some mafia people were controlling the media to target their opposition.
“Freedom of media should be respected. Recently some mafia people have entered in media and this is weakening the press. Government should look into the matter,” he said. The MP also informed the House about two channels- ABN Andhra Jyothi and TV9 channels- which were shut down in Telangana during emergency.
Congress member Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu lashed out at Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who he said “wanted media to speak what he wants them to say”.
Praising media for their revolutionary work pre and post Independence, BJP member Tarun Vijay said every battle against wrong work starts with media.
Mr Vijay said the Government should not interfere in the working of the media.
“Media should be controlled through rule and regulation not by any particular party or Government,” he said. Terming paid news ‘cancer’ and he said, “There is news in advertisement now”.
He also said the role of an editor in print media has been minimised. “The institution of editorial is in danger.”
He criticised the functioning of media, saying, “Our media houses are totally dependent on western media for coverage of neighbouring countries. Owners on media have huge amount of property (money) but they don’t send their own correspondent to nation for coverage.
“There are 23 Chinese reporters in India but only three Indian journalists in China.”
The BJP member expressed shock over the shutting down of many Hindi magazines.
Demanding safety and for journalists, Rajesh Pathak of BSP said mediapersons were not even getting enough facilities in Parliament also.
“They (journalists) are in danger. Their jobs are not secured.
We have to ensure proper facilities to them. “If we look into their personal lives, they do not have good houses. They have to struggle for their livelihoods. We must always stand by them,” he added. (UNI)
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