Control over media- old censorship on a new medium

Source: The post Control over media has been created on the article “Old censorship on a new medium” published in “The Hindu” on 27th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Security- Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges etc.

News: The article discusses how the media landscape in India is changing and becoming more controlled by the government. It also talks about a new bill called the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, which aims to regulate online content and increase government control over media. The article raises concerns about the erosion of freedom of expression and transparency in media regulation.

What is media?

Media are the various methods and channels used to communicate information and messages to people. It includes tools and platforms for sharing news, entertainment, and educational content. Various types of media include print media, broadcast media, the internet, and social media.

What are the recent important developments around media control in India?

Selective Reporting in Media: After the tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand, newspapers reported extensively from day one, while television initially showed sparse coverage. This indicates selective reporting, possibly influenced by government and ideological factors.

Proposed Government Legislation: The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, exemplifies an effort to increase government oversight. It seeks to regulate not just traditional broadcasters but also online content creators, reflecting a broader scope of media control.

For more details on Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, read here

How is the government trying to control the media?

Internet’s Growing Influence and Government’s Response: The rise of internet use, especially among rural populations, is reducing traditional media’s dominance. However, the government’s efforts to regulate online content, as seen in the proposed bill, indicate a desire to control digital media.

Self-Regulation vs Government Control: The existing self-regulation practices in media are being overshadowed by more direct government interventions. It indicates a shift towards more centralized control over media content.

What are the implications of government control on media?

1. The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, mainly boosts government control over media, reducing transparency and accountability.
2. By exerting more control, these actions erode fundamental rights, particularly relating to free speech and information access.
3. The government’s use of digital technologies under these new rules can manipulate public sentiment, reflecting a move towards more authoritarian control.

What should be done?

Pursue Legal Resistance: Emulate the successful legal challenges against the Information Technology Rules, 2021, as seen in the stays by the High Courts of Madras and Bombay. This approach can also be applied to oppose other censorship measures like the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023.

Promote Stronger Self-Regulation: Media organizations should prioritize robust self-regulation to prevent government overreach. This approach offers a more balanced alternative to direct government control over content.

Support Digital Platform Freedom: As per Nielsen’s India Internet Report of 2023, at least 85 million viewers in rural India share smartphones and huddle together to stream YouTube videos. Hence it becomes crucial to safeguard these spaces from excessive government regulation. This protection ensures that they continue to remain open and free for diverse content and opinions to thrive.

Question for practice:

Examine the factors contributing to the changing media landscape and increased government control in India.