In India, many problems are affecting the news media today. Some news channels focus too much on sensational stories and drama, often called “paid news” or “fake news.” Regular newspapers are struggling because more people are reading news online instead.
This Friday, a parliamentary committee led by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey will meet to discuss these media problems. They will look at how well the laws about media are working and will discuss a variety of important issues.
The committee is worried that news about crime and celebrities is getting too much attention, while serious stories are being overlooked. Sometimes, media trials can shape people’s opinions before a case is even decided in court, and this is a big concern for them. They also want to highlight that TV debates often turn into loud arguments instead of meaningful discussions.
Another big issue is the conflicts of interest where media owners or journalists may have ties to politicians, which can hurt the trust people have in the news. Journalists also face expensive legal battles that make it hard for them to do investigative work, which is important for revealing the truth.
In addition, smaller regional news outlets are struggling financially, and fake news is spreading quickly, especially during elections. The committee will also discuss how big foreign companies control social media, which can damage society unless we have better regulations.
Important officials, including the Information and Broadcasting Secretary and the CEO of Prasar Bharati, will be part of the meeting. The committee will also review the history of media laws in India starting from the Press and Registration of Books Act of 1867, which has now been updated.
Lastly, they will talk about the Press Council of India, which works to protect freedom of the press and improve the quality of news. In past meetings, they have also looked into how new technology, streaming platforms, and efforts to stop fake news affect journalism today.
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