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Govt. tightens its grip on fake news
What has happened?
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting headed by Union Minister Smriti Irani on Monday amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists
Accreditation can be cancelled
Accreditation of a journalist (both television and print) can be cancelled/annulled if the news reported by them is found to be “fake”
Procedure to be followed
Agencies involved: On receiving complaints of “fake news”, it will be referred to the Press Council of India (PCI) if it pertains to print media and to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) if it relates to electronic media.
Disposing complaint within 15 days: Both the agencies will have to dispose of each complaint within 15 days.
Suspension during investigation: During the period of probe, the journalist’s accreditation will be suspended.
When the charges are proved
The accreditation shall be suspended for a period of 6 months in the first violation and for one year in the case of second violation and in the event of third violation it would be cancelled permanently
