Regulation not Control

The biggest problem with the present broadcasting bill is that it confuses regulation with control. Censorship of media is undesirable and unhealthy for a democratic country like India but an unregulated media can cause havoc, latest example being the Uma Khurana ‘sting’ that’s unfolding in Delhi. This incident has again highlighted the power of the broadcast media and has shown how ‘power without responsibility’ can end up adding fuel to a mob’s fury.

In the 21st century television as a medium has cross-country reach and this fact alone makes it the presence of a system to regulate the television media a necessity. A body is required that can haul up erring news channels and if required has the necessary powers to punish them as well. But even the thought of an army of Babus’ running that ‘regulatory body’ is really unpleasant.

Government’s bid to impose itself on media through legislation should be thwarted in strongest possible manner. But for the media to continuously croon that “We don’t need no regulation, we don’t need no thought control” is rather juvenile. The stakeholders in the media and the govt need to sit and brainstorm together to come up with a mutually acceptable plan. Initially it may look as complex as the Kashmir issue but at the end of the day all one need is honest intent and clarity in thought. And a nationwide debate involving all stakeholders like government and political parties, representatives from media, civil society organisations and the public might just help.

PS: With great power comes great responsibility…but unaccountable power corrupts.