Nodal Group soon for news flow during major crisis like 26/11

[deckingraj]

Nodal Group soon for news flow during major crisis like 26/11

The government is in the final stages of setting up an Empowered Nodal Group which could act as a single point authority for disbursement of news in the event of major crisis like Mumbai terror attack.

This group is being set up in response to a suggestion by the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) considering the experience of 26/11 when the entire nation was angry on the way the attacks were telecast by news channels, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told the Lok Sabha.

“I would like to inform the House that formation of the nodal group is in the final stage,” Ms. Soni said.

The Minister also said that since last couple of months news broadcasters have shown restraint without any notice or advisory. “The government is not in favour of censoring news... But, nevertheless, we have been able to talk to editors about the contents,” she said.

Replying to a supplementary, the minister said the Advertising Code under the Cable Regulatory Act has been violated by several channels and in the last six months the I&B ministry has issued 30 notices to them.

On the issue of hike in foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in news and current affairs TV channels to 49 per cent from the present 26 per cent as recommended by telecom regulator TRAI, she said, “We are sensitive about it... we do not want too much of foreign investment in print, electronic media or radio.”


The Hindu : News / National : Nodal Group soon for news flow during major crisis like 26/11

 

[Dark Angel]

Media introspects its coverage of 26/11 Mumbai attacks

Lack of training to those covering a crisis, anchors crossing the line between professionalism and personal biases and commercial compulsions are some of the issues that came to the fore as experts introspected media's role in covering the Mumbai terror attacks.

Accepting that there were "some shortcomings" in the coverage of the gory drama that unfolded in the metropolis on November 26, the panelists said "we should learn from mistakes and not allow anyone to exploit our `weaknesses'. "Media coverage, especially by television channels, was amateurish. We need to evolve as journalists," Uday Shankar, CEO of Star India, said.

"However, more important is to ensure that no one (read politicians) manipulates the situation for their benefit and gag our freedom," he said.

More than analysing media coverage of 26/11, it is important to know who is demanding a review of it, Shankar said, adding it was only because of this coverage that political heads rolled and the serious loopholes and laxity in the system were exposed.

"Also, there is a crisis of competence in media. On one hand upcoming journalists lack professionalism and urge to learn and on the other hand editors have failed to be mentors to these young guys," Shankar said, participating in a debate organised by The Press Club, Mumbai on `Did the Media Do its Job Covering 26/11 Terror Story?.'


Media introspects its coverage of 26/11 Mumbai attacks- Hindustan Times

 

[rajeev]

It is unfortunate that even after one year after the incident we don't the ability to keep an eye on the shores of even Mumbai - forget about terrorists landing in some other coast. All this drama about anniversary and showing the force, I have serious doubt anything will be done more efficiency if terrorists hit same place and in exact manner.

In India, there is no value for human life. In the midst of people's enrage about the anger, CM comes there with film director and actor and the same guy is back in political arena. So much for outrage of political class and common people?

Why is my India asleep at the wheel?