Role of Media in covering the elections

Lustful role of Media during LS-09 Elections

QUESTIONING ROLE OF MEDIA DURING PRESS COVERAGE

           Media played a very licentious and craftiness role during LS-09 Elections. It is clearly evident from this news item appeared on 26th April 2009 in the non-partisan daily newspaper “Punjabi Tribune” being published from Chandigarh. Some regional media barons controlling the vernacular press enforced the Political parties and candidates contesting the general Lok Sabha elections to shell out bags of money in lieu of favorable press coverage through their agents (reporters) in the field.

             Such newspapers even presented full pages with various clandestinely news items by enlarging fonts in this “give and take” course of action slaying the laid down “lakshaman rekha” for the media and brazenly crushed the moral ethics but the “mighty” Election Commission was totally mute spectator to such media arm-twisting foul plays.

Bogus interview on India TV !

TV Channel “India TV” telecasted an interview of an American scholar Ms Farhana Ali during December 2008. The interview was about “Mumbai terror attacks and it’s aftermath”. She hails from Pakistan and lives in America, and is an analyst of political affairs and problems.

In the interview, which she has given in ‘Hindi’, she seemed to be supporting government’s stand over the crisis. Channel presented her as an American spy. Viewers might have watched the interview with much interest and also appreciated the outreach of the TV channel. Later on, it was told that Ms Farhan Ali did neither give any interview to any news channel nor spoke to any reporter. This Channel misused the interview she already gave to the Reuters. (Mail Today, April 10).

She lodged a complaint with News Broadcasting Standards Disputes Redressal Authority (NBSDRA), which TV channel owners have formed to control the transparency and accuracy of the reporting and to make member channels comply with certain regulations.

This Interview was all bogus

Association’s (NBSDRA) chief, Justice J.S.Verma, assessed her complaint and channel’s explanation and came to conclusion that the interview was bogus and fabricated. India TV obtained her picture from internet and by adding sound as some Hindi sentences, showed as she spoke to the channel whereas she doesn’t speak Hindi at all.

Justice Verma had penalized the channel with Rs 1 Lakh and instructed this channel to broadcast apology atleast 5 times. It is a good sign for those fair-minded viewers, who want to watch just facts. Also the fact, that TV channels had established a regulatory body for monitoring themselves, is surprising.

Justice Verma should certainly be appreciated that he caught such a big mistake of a TV channel. But who knows if Justice Verma is aware that, this is every day business of TV channels. They practice these gimmicks to increase their TRP. Justice Verma, with the help of his experts, should also watch such other media reports as how these channels mix voices, photos and footage. Since, unlike Farhana Ali, many people do not challenge their reports, but TV channels unethical business continues.

It may be mentioned here that the Broadcasting Code, adopted by the Fourth Asian Broadcasting Conference in 1962, lists certain cardinal principles to be followed by the electronic media, is of prime importance so far as laws governing broadcast medium are concerned.  Although the SPJ Code of Ethics are voluntarily embraced by thousands of journalists, regardless of place or platform, and are widely used in newsrooms and classrooms as a guide for ethical behavior.

Besides this the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 are also in force. Self regulation for TV broadcasters had already come into existence from October 2, 2008. The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has come up with its own code of ethics and broadcasting standards.  The NBA code had already been submitted to the government.

Despite all such legislations/rules/codes the “idiot box” has been playing with the sentiments of innocent people and befooling the unaware society. Time has ripen to aware the ignorant society about such malpractices, obscenity, encouragement to superstitions or blind beliefs, unethical promotions, deliberate, false and suggestive innuendos and half truths.

Procedure for filing the complaint to PCI

1. Complaints against the Press

It is open to any person to lodge a complaint with the Press Council against a newspaper for a breach of the recognized ethical canons of journalistic propriety and taste. The complainant need not necessarily be the person aggrieved or directly involved. The alleged breach may be in the publication or non-publication of a news-item or statement, or other material, like cartoons, pictures, photographs, strips or advertisement which are published in a newspaper. Cases can also be initiated by any member of the public against any professional misconduct by an editor, working journalist, staff of a newspaper or engaged in freelance work. There can also be a complaint against any matter transmitted by a news agency by any means whatsoever.

By virtue of the Press Council (Procedure for Inquiry) Regulations, 1979, complaint shall be lodged with the Council within the following periods:

(i) Dailies, News agencies and Weeklies …….. within 2 months

(ii) In all other cases ……. within 4 months

Provided that a relevant publication of an earlier date may be referred to in the complaint.

Write to the editor first

It is a requirement of the Inquiry Regulations that the complainant should initially write to the editor of the newspaper drawing his attention to what the complainant considers to be a breach of journalistic ethics or an offence against public taste. Such prior reference to the editor affords him an opportunity to deal with the matter in the first instance and thus allows the respondent to take such remedial action as he might consider appropriate before the complaint is lodged with the Council.
This rule is necessary because it acquaints the editor with the identity of his accuser and the details of the complaint. It is conceivable that in some instance the complainant has been wrongly informed or has misinterpreted the facts. In others, it may be a case of inadvertent error which the editor is only too ready to admit and correct. If the would-be-complainant is satisfied, that would be the end of the matter.

Where, after reference to the newspaper, the person desires to proceed with the complaint, he should enclose with his complaint copies of correspondence with the editor, if no reply has been received from the editor, the fact should be mentioned in the complaint.

The complainant has, in his complaint, to give the name and address of the newspaper, editor or journalist against whom the complaint is directed. A clipping of the matter or news-items complained of, in original or self attested copy (English translation, if the news item(s) is in vernacular) should accompany the complaint. The complainant has to state in what manner the passage or news-items or the material complained of is objectionable. He should also supply other relevant particulars, if any.

In the case of a complaint against non-publication of material the complainant will, of course, say how that constitutes a breach of journalistic ethics.

The Council cannot deal with any matter which is sub-judice in the law court. The complainant has to declare that “to the best of his knowledge and belief he has placed all the relevant facts before the Council and that no proceedings are pending in any court of law in respect of any matter alleged in the complaint.” A declaration that “ he shall notify the Council forthwith if during the pendency of the inquiry before the Council any matter alleged in the complaint becomes the subject matter of any proceedings in a court of law” is also necessary.

2. Complaints regarding oppression to Press freedom

A newspaper, a journalist or any institution or individual can complain against Central or State Government or any organization or person for interference with free functioning of the press or encroachment on the freedom of the press. Such complaints should contain full particulars of the alleged infringement whereupon the Council shall follow the procedure of inquiry set out herein above so far as may be.

The opinion expressed by the Council sub serves two useful purposes, namely (i) that any abuse of press freedom does not pass without anybody noticing it or raising a finger of protest, and (ii) that the press should not in its own interest indulge in scurrilous or other objectionable writings-writings such as have been considered below the level of recognized standards of journalistic ethics by a fair minded jury like the Council constituted of the press itself, for it would lead to the very loss of the much prized freedom of the press.

Address of the respondent:

It is a requirement of the Inquiry Regulations that the complainant should draw the attention of the respondent(s)/authorities towards the grievances state how the action/inaction of the respondent authorities amounts to curtailment of the freedom of the press mention the possible reason for the action/inaction of the respondent(s)/authorities duly supported by documentary evidence and furnish a copy of the letter written to the respondent(s)/authorities.

In case the action of the respondent(s)/authorities is a reprisal measure for writings in the newspaper, critical of the respondent(s), the cuttings of such reports be furnished in original or as self attested copies (English translation, if the news item(s) is in vernacular.
Furnish a copy of the reply, if any received from the respondent(s)/authorities. Provided that the Chairman may waive this requirement in his discretion.

By virtue of the Press Council (Procedure for Inquiry) Regulations, 1979, limitation of time is four months from the date of cause of action.

Provided that the Chairman may condone the delay if he is satisfied that there exist sufficient reasons for such condonation.

The Council cannot deal with any matter which is sub-judice in the law court. The complainant has to declare that “to the best of his knowledge and belief he has placed all the relevant facts before the Council and that no proceedings are pending in any court of law in respect of any matter alleged in the complaint.” A declaration that “ he shall notify the Council forthwith if during the pendency of the inquiry before the Council any matter alleged in the complaint becomes the subject matter of any proceedings in a court of law” is also necessary.

Code for Self-Regulation in media

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) (1985) has adopted a Code for Self-Regulation in Advertising. It is a commitment to honest advertising and to fair competition in the market-place. It stands for the protection of the legitimate interests of consumers and all concerned with advertising – advertisers, media, advertising agencies and others who help in the creation or placement of advertisements. As the Code becomes increasingly accepted and observed pro-actively, three things will begin to happen.

• Fewer false, misleading claims
• Fewer unfair advertisements
• Increasing respectability

Which, only means more freedom for you to practice your craft or carry on your business effectively. As a member of ASCI, you can mould the course of Self-Regulation and participate in the protection of healthy, effective advertising. You can have a say, through the Board of Governors, in the further development of the Code and future appointments to the Consumer Complaints Council (CCC). Membership of the ASCI (open only to Firms) entitles you to appoint your nominee to discharge your function as a member

Nothing can be better than self-discipline. External regulations imposed by law would not really be necessary if this ideal would have been effective. In this article, I will deal with malpractices in advertising and misleading which after complaint to the ASCI had to be taken off the Air. Advertisement and how efficacious or meaningless is the so-called self regulation in advertising by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) having its office at Bombay.

Everyday we see various advertisements on various mass media example – television, internet, radio. Many of these advertisements are objectionable. As recently there was an objectionable advertisement of Amul Macho underwear which after complaint to the ASCI had to be taken off the Air.

The difficulty is in describing what is obscene advertisements, because what is obscene is subjective and depends on individual perceptions. Here reference is on patently false and misleading and uncomfortable advertisements. We regularly come across advertisements which promote dubious products, making unsubstantiated tall claims about their wondrous performance. The side-effects or the harmful effects of these products are invariably suppressed. Advertisers often make misleading statements about the utility of their products. What is done to check these misrepresentations?

The ASCI has formulated its self-regulatory code which is wonderfully attractive on paper. But what does it do about misleading advertisements? simply nothing and turned a blind eye. No attempt is made to caution the public about the misrepresentation. No press release is issued to make the public aware that they should not believe these misrepresentations.

It is necessary to pin point the areas where consumers require to be cautioned in order to prevent them from being misled by such advertisements. A genuine example would be- it is common to see on railway platforms and in trains advertisements of quacks posing as doctors. The commonest advertisements are for piles and abortion clinics. The Medical Council’s Code of Ethics prevents doctors from advertising. Disciplinary action is taken against doctors who advertise their services or against those who participate in advertisements for promoting a particular medicine, vitamin or drug. Hence genuine doctors do not advertise. Those who seek confidentiality for their problems fall prey to these quacks. Yet the Railway Administration is not bothered about these advertisements.

The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act, 1954. This Act prohibits the advertisement of any diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of certain diseases / disorders / conditions listed under the Schedule to this Act. There is a celebrated case law which falls under the ambit of this laws blatant violation it is Hamadard Davakhana case. The facts of the case was a drug was advertised it have the quality to magically cure certain types of diseases, which in fact was not so. The court held that these are misleading advertisement and the defendant had was held liable.

The Schedule lists 54 such disorders and conditions amongst which are included cancer, obesity, fits, sexual impotence, and also drugs for maintaining or improving sexual pleasure, or drugs… for causing miscarriage or prevention of conception.

The Act provides that its violation would be a cognizable offence. Even the media which carries or displays the advertisement commits the offence by participating in the advertising process. Yet the police do not take cognizance of such advertisements. The lucrative and recurring revenue generated by these advertisements is more important to newspapers, television channels and advertising agencies and it is profitable to disregard the law.

When nobody is bothering about such advertisements, not even consumer organizations, why should ASCI be expected to take action? Because ASCI has been set up by businessmen and industrialists specifically for self-regulation in advertising. Why should it make a farce of the whole complaint process?

The classical example would be the Cola wars. Can anybody deny these as to be blatant misleading expressions of these Colas, as in they are so important for survival? But nobody has the courage to question them because they are huge and powerful companies. Is it not so.

Conclusion

The code of Self –regulation drawn up for advertisers India is not at all sufficient and there should be more sincere observance of the code. However whenever there is competitive advertisement the competition drags each of the advertiser to the ASCI which is a non –statutory body. But whenever there is breach of public confidence by these advertisers by showing misleading advertisements, they should be immediately checked to safeguard the interest of innocent customers. Moreover there should be a statutory regulatory authority instead of ASCI which is non statutory which being so, has no binding authority on the non-members. This would definitely help to improve the quality of advertisements in India.

Broadcasting Code for Electronic Media

The Broadcasting Code, adopted by the Fourth Asian Broadcasting Conference in 1962 listing certain cardinal principles to be followed by the electronic media, is of prime importance so far as laws governing broadcast medium are concerned. Although, the Broadcast Code was chiefly set up to govern the All India Radio, the following cardinal principles have ideally been practiced by all Broadcasting and Television Organization; viz: –

• To ensure the objective presentation of news and fair and unbiased comment

• To promote the advancement of education and culture

• To raise and maintain high standards of decency and decorum in all programmes

• To provide programmes for the young which, by variety and content, will inculcate the principles of good citizenship

• To promote communal harmony, religious tolerance and international understanding

• To treat controversial public issues in an impartial and dispassionate manner

• To respect human rights and dignity

CODE OF ETHICS FOR JOURNALISTS

The SPJ Code of Ethics is voluntarily embraced by thousands of journalists, regardless of place or platform, and is widely used in newsrooms and classrooms as a guide for ethical behavior. The code is intended not as a set of “rules” but as a resource for ethical decision-making. It is not — nor can it be under the First Amendment — legally enforceable.

 

Preamble

 

Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society’s principles and standards of practice.

 

Seek Truth and Report It

 

·        Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

 

Journalists should:

 

·        Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible.

·        Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.

·        Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources’ reliability.

·        Always question sources’ motives before promising anonymity.

·        Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises.

·        Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.

·        Never distort the content of news photos or video. Image enhancement for technical clarity is always permissible. Label montages and photo illustrations.

·        Avoid misleading re-enactments or staged news events. If re-enactment is necessary to tell a story, label it.

·        Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story.

 

Never plagiarize

 

·        Tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so.

·        Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others.

·        Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.

·        Support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.

·        Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.

·        Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.

·        Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.

·        Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in the open and that government records are open to inspection.

·        Minimize Harm

·        Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.

 

Journalists should:

 

·        Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.

·        Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.

·        Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.

·        Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.

·        Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.

·        Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.

·        Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.

·        Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.

·        Act Independently

·        Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public’s right to know.

 

Journalists should:

 

·        Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.

·        Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.

·        Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.

·        Disclose unavoidable conflicts.

·        Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.

·        Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.

·        Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news.

 

Be Accountable :

·        Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.

 

Journalists should:

 

·        Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.

·        Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media.

·        Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.

·        Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.

·        Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.

 

The SPJ Code of Ethics is voluntarily embraced by thousands of writers, editors and other news professionals. The present version of the code was adopted by the 1996 SPJ National Convention, after months of study and debate among the Society’s members.

 

-> Urvashi Sharma, Social Worker & RTI activist,

House No. 2108, f block, Rajaji Puram,

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India,

Pin code – 226017

Cell no. 9235169855

MORAL VALUES IN LIFE

Everyday, people dug the proverbial grave for themselves because of the manner in which they comfort themselves or conduct business. These “9 Golden Rules” are simply tools for creating a more positive and productive professional life. I hope you find them helpful.

1. Do Not Lie
Your word and reputation are priceless commodities in an industry riddled with hype and lying wannabes. Be truthful no matter the consequences and you will stand out as a person of integrity. The truth eventually catches up with you and you may face: losing your credibility, being permanently shunned by the people.

2. Work Hard and Honestly
Work is worship and it is universally proven. Hard work and honesty always pay dividends in life and rewards with honours. Never shirk your duty and always take lead in every work. Be multi-dimensional in every field by knowing basic ideas and abreast with latest knowledge.

3. Do Not Steal
If it is not yours, then do not take it be it an idea, an equity contact, a piece of equipment, or otherwise. If you go on and steal the idea, you may not able to warrant and represent that the idea is wholly original to you, when called upon to do so. Furthermore, the original party may file a legal claim against you for breach of an implied contract.

4. Be Fair/Do Not Be Greedy
People tend to assert their power in a deal when they are in the power position. Avoid the temptation to squeeze the last penny, or deal term, out of a negotiation if the aforementioned does not affect you negatively, and if it is going to result in someone being treated unfairly.
Remember, everyone has to work together when the deal is done. Resentment is going to permeate your relationship with the unfairly treated party; it is virtually impossible to have a positive working relationship with someone who resents you.

5. Do Not Gossip
Gossip can ruin a person’s career, business relationships and personal life. Do not succumb to the temptation to gossip, even if the information is based in fact, because everyone (you included) has done, or will do, something regretful.
If you decide to proceed, remember that the gossiper rarely makes a good impression: the person with whom you share the gossip will wonder if you will ever do the same to her, and you may be perceived as a liar, back stabber and petty person.

6. Treat People The Way You Want To Be Treated
You need as many people in your corner as possible when you are on the rise. Treat everyone with respect, kindness and honesty. People may put up with arrogance and attitude, but they do not have to tolerate the same from a nobody. In other words, be the kind of person people want to know and with whom they want to work.
Also, the juniors are the gatekeepers for the people to whom you need access. They will be more apt to assist you if you are friendly and respectful to them. It is also important for you to note that the assistant to whom you are speaking today may be the senior executive with the ability to green light your picture tomorrow.

7. Lend A Helping Hand
Function as if opportunity is abundant and it will be so. Share information and contacts when called to do so. It is perfectly acceptable to decline this request if this referral is going to be detrimental to you i.e., the referral will reflect badly on you.

8. Keep Your Commitments
People tend to make commitments they do not honour for a myriad of selfish reasons. You need to be able to depend on people just as much as they need to depend on you. Keep your word unless the object of your promise is illegal, immoral, or likely to harm someone other than yourself. If you decide that you cannot keep your commitment, then be mature and up front about it so that the other party can make other arrangements.

9. Give Back
The Universe is like a saving account –you have to make deposits if you want continue making withdrawals. Make time to share your accomplishments with others: be a mentor, make referrals, give to charity etc.

Conclusion
Living and working in the field is full of complications and stress. Why complicate matters further by being dishonest, undignified and unfair? Approach your dealings from a positive place and you are more likely to succeed, and enjoy your success.

Guidelines to Media on Election Reporting By PCI

1. It will be the duty of the press to give objective reports about the election and the candidates. The newspapers are not expected to indulge in unhealthy election campaigns, exaggerated reports about any candidate/party or incident during the elections. In practice, two or three closely contesting candidates attract all the media attention. While reporting on the actual campaign, a newspaper may not leave out any important point raised by a candidate and make an attack on his or her opponent.

2. Election campaign along communal or caste lines is banned under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The press should eschew reports which tend to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between people on the ground of region, religion, race, caste, community or language.

3. The press should refrain from publishing false or critical statements in regard to the personal character and conduct of any candidate or in relation to the candidature or withdrawal of any candidate or candidature, to prejudice the prospects of that candidate in the elections. The press shall not publish unverified allegations against any candidate/party.

4. The press shall not accept any kind of inducement, financial or otherwise, to project a candidate/party. It shall not accept hospitality or other facility offered to them by or on behalf of any candidate/party.

5. The press is not expected to indulge in canvassing or a particular candidate/party. If it does, it shall allow the right of reply to the other candidate/party.

6. The press shall not accept or publish any advertisement at the cost of public exchequer regarding achievements of a party/government in power.

7. The press shall observe all the directions/orders/instructions of the Election Commission/Returning Officer or Chief Electoral Officer issued from time to time.

8. Whenever the newspapers publish pre-poll surveys, they should take care to preface them conspicuously identifying the institutions which have carried on such surveys, the individuals and organisations which have commissioned the surveys, the size and nature of sample selected the method of selection of the sample for the findings and the possible margin of error in the findings.

9. In the event of staggered polls, no newspaper shall publish exit-poll surveys, however, genuine they may be, till the last date of the polls is over.