NBA sends its code to government

The News Broadcasters' Association (NBA), the body of the news channel broadcasters, has submitted its self-regulation proposals to the government.

The association has submitted two documents, 'Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards and News Broadcasting Standards (Disputes Redressal) Regulations.The recommendations have been vetted by former solicitor general Harish Salve.

The Code of Ethics states the principles that news channels must recognise. It mentions that news must not be selected or designed to promote any particular belief, opinion or desires of any interest group.

On self-regulation, the document states that channels must maintain impartiality and objectivity in reporting. Viewers of 24-hour news channels expect speed, but it is the responsibility of TV news channels to keep accuracy and balance in its reports, pictures, graphics and even captions, it says.

It says sting and undercover operations should be the last resort of news channels in an attempt to give the viewer comprehensive coverage of any news story.

However, they should not allow sex and sleaze, use of narcotics or any act of violence, intimidation or discrimination as a justifiable means in any sting operation.

Sting operations must abide by the principles of self-regulation documented by the code and news channels must ensure that they will be guided by an identifiable larger public interest, it says.

The NBA says that news channels must provide for neutrality -- and ensure that allegations are not portrayed as facts and charges not conveyed as an act of guilt.

Besides, crime and violence must not be glorified. The document also includes clauses on depiction of violence against women and children as well as on restrictions on portraying sex and nudity.

The broadcasting rules on programming that exist even today are also included: News channels must refrain from allowing broadcasts that encourage secessionist groups and interests, or reveal information that endangers lives and national security. It also seeks to ban material that glorifies superstition and occultism in any manner.

The NBA has also proposed a disputes redressal authority chaired by an eminent jurist and six other members nominated by the NBA board. Of the six members, three must be editors employed by various news channels.

The objects of the authority will be to entertain and decide complaints against or in respect to broadcasters, television journalists and/or news agencies in so far as these relate to the content of any broadcast.

Media industry experts say the ball is now in the court of the I&B ministry, which made it clear earlier that NBA had missed its deadlines to submit its recommendations.