Centre Seeks Regulatory Norms For Digital Media

New Delhi: The Supreme Court must first consider framing regulatory standards for the digital media before electronic media because the former has far more impact and greater reach, the government has said.

The Centre said this in a statement to the top court on laying down standards for electronic media ahead of a hearing on Thursday.

“Digital media has faster reach, potential to become viral due to apps like WhatsApp and Facebook,” NDTV quoted the Centre’s affidavit. “Digital media has serious impact and because of its potential, the court must first take up digital media,” it added.

The government also said there is “sufficient framework and judgments” on electronic media and print media. “The issue of balancing freedom of speech and responsible journalism has already been governed by statutory provisions and judgments,” it said, adding that electronic media is governed by earlier cases and precedents.

The government has also urged the top court to appoint Amicus Curiae (a friend of the court) or a panel to assist the court in deciding on the guidelines.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Supreme Court had voiced concern about the race for TRPs and “sensationalism” on TV and had said it would set up a panel to suggest standards for electronic media.

The court’s sharp observations were linked to concerns over the grisly, no-holds-barred and often ethics-challenged coverage of the Sushant Singh Rajput death case by some channels.