NEW DELHI: The Parliamentary Committee on Communications and Information Technology is scheduled to meet on January 31 to discuss the implementation of media laws in India.
The meeting will focus on various issues affecting the media industry, including sensationalism, paid news, fake news, and the challenges faced by traditional newspapers due to digital disruption.
One of the main concerns to be addressed is the overemphasis on crime and celebrity news, which often crowds out important and serious news. Some media outlets are accused of prioritizing sensational stories to boost TRP ratings.
The committee will also highlight the impact of media trials, especially in high-profile cases, which can influence public opinion and interfere with legal processes.
Another topic under discussion is the conflict of interest in the media, where media owners, journalists, and political entities may compromise journalistic integrity. The lack of strong regulations is seen as a key factor contributing to ethical issues and violations in the media industry.
The committee is also expected to examine the financial difficulties faced by regional and vernacular media outlets, which often rely heavily on government advertisements. These smaller outlets struggle to compete with larger national media companies. Additionally, the expensive legal battles faced by journalists are discouraging investigative reporting.
The growing influence of social media will also be a topic of concern. The committee will look into the need for better regulation of social media platforms, especially given their role in spreading information quickly and sometimes irresponsibly, particularly during sensitive times like elections.
India’s media is currently governed by several laws, but the regulation of digital platforms remains a challenge. The committee is expected to review the evolution of media laws and discuss the potential for future reforms.
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