Information Society Watch

September 22, 2007, Ammu Joseph, India Together

This article highlights the need to address the growing concern about questionable norms and practices of mass media in India. It describes some of the obstacles faced by the government's Broadcast Bill and Content Code, which seek to regulate the broadcast industry. The article critiques vague terminology and insufficient attention to non-news programming as two weaknesses of the legislation, which must also not obstruct freedom of expression in any way that prevents the media from serving public interest. Yet the market-driven media environment provides little incentive for self-regulation. Ultimately, a delicate balance must be struck between the freedoms of individuals, media and government that minimises how much each trespasses on the rights of the others.

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