Press Council must get more teeth, says Prasar Bharati Chief


Posted on 18th Mar 2015 10:57 am by mohit kumar

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Expressing concern at the “inadequate’ self-regulatory mechanism within media, Prasar Bharati chairman A. Surya Prakash has suggested that the Press Council become a Media Council with adequate media representation and acquire more teeth.

Surya Prakash said that some private news channels have been "creating noise" during their prime time shows, ignoring the news content.

Viewers could now watch DD News or listen to All India Radio (AIR) if they were tired of the "noise channels", he said and pointed out that “each and every Indian is a stake holder in Prasar Bharati since it depends on union budgetary support -- about Rs.2,100 crore out of its Rs.4,000-crore budget in the current financial year".

"Its own revenue generation is around Rs.1,650 crore as of now and with increased focus on internal revenue generation, this is expected to improve," he said.

Surya Prakash, himself a veteran journalist, was addressing an open session at the 9th Global Communication Conclave organised by the communication industry body Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) in the national capital.

Earlier during a panel discussion on media and PR ethics, delegates expressed concern over the recent developments that led to unpleasantness in society.

Responding, Editors Guild general secretary Ajay Upadhyay said the entire media community need not be tarred with the same brush just because of some perceived unethical practices. Most media houses do have gatekeepers in the form of strong news desks and editors to check the flow of news into the newspapers and channels.

Veteran journalist K.A. Badarinath, editor - policy at Financial Chronicle, explained that media persons in general take adequate care while using tonnes of information that they get in the process of collecting the news.

Rajan Mathews, director general of Cellular Operators Association of India who delivered the keynote address, pointed out that misinformation is being spread about the so-called radiation effect from cellphone towers whereas there is no scientific evidence of such an impact.

The mobile tower radiation emission standards that are being practised in India are much more stringent than the western and European norms, he said.

Participating in a panel discussion on financial inclusion, former CMD of Canara Bank Rajiv Dubey said media should play a major role in increasing the financial literacy in the country.

Shubhrangshu Neogi, director and head of Marketing & Brand-Religare, stressed on the need to cut the jargon and simplify the flow of information to the masses. Financial services companies need to involve PR machinery to educate the people about various plans and schemes and ensure inclusive growth, said Mohit Rochlani, CMO of IndiaFirst Life Insurance.

Based on the suggestions from the speakers, PRCI has decided to launch an awareness drive for adopting ethical practises among public relations practitioners and conduct skill development programmes for professionals to understand the functioning of media and its information needs, said PRCI chief mentor and Chairman Emeritus M.B. Jayaram.

0 Like 0 Dislike
Previous news Next news
Other news

How much success did the Modi government get in making a self-reliant India?

During the parade on 26 January this year, the Department of Biotechnology in its tableau on the

Trump will not come on Twitter: Said- Musk is a good man, he will improve Twitter; But I'll be on my social media

Tesla CEO and world's richest businessman Elon Musk has bought Twitter. Due to the friendship of

Economic crisis in Sri Lanka: Central Bank Governor bluntly - Government should not interfere in our work, the situation may still improve

In Sri Lanka, which is facing an economic crisis, there has been a tussle between the central ban

Great discomfort in Bangladesh and Brazil for vaccine made in India

After the approval of the emergency use of two vaccines for the Coronavirus in India, countries l

Russia-Ukraine War Updates: Russia Starts Donbas-Crimea Ground Corridor; Ukraine claims - 1 Russian soldier dies every 5 minutes

It has been more than 100 days since the Ukraine and Russia wars. Despite this, there is no hope

Gujarat Election: Modi can create history because of Kejriwal! How will BJP benefit by walking 'broom'?

In the 1985 assembly elections of Gujarat, Congress had created such a history, which to date no

Mamata congratulates Indian cricket team

Kolkata, March 19 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday congratulated t

Ball-tampering controversy: Former captain Clarke's big statement, said- Do not be surprised at the revelations of Bancroft, bowlers knew

In the year 2018, Australian cricket is trying to wash its stains. Meanwhile, the revelations of

Donald Trump: Donald Trump's passport stolen! Former US President accuses FBI; know what said

Former US President Donald Trump has said that his passport was stolen. Trump has accused the Fed

Rupee Vs Dollar: Rupee reaches the lowest level with the fall of 18 paise, inflation will increase in the country, importers will suffer losses

The Indian rupee on Thursday hit a historic low against the US dollar amid firming overseas marke

Sign up to write
Sign up now if you have flare of writing..
Login   |   Register
Follow Us
Indyaspeak @ Facebook Indyaspeak @ Twitter Indyaspeak @ Pinterest RSS



Play Free Quiz and Win Cash