Question : LIVE TELECAST OF SENSITIVE INCIDENTS



(a) whether the Government proposes to issue any guidelines on the live coverage of sensitive incidents like the Mumbai terror attack by the electronic media;

(b) If so, the details thereof;

(c) whether representations have been received from the television broadcasters/media persons in this regard; and

(d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereof?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION & BROADCASTING (SHRI ANAND SHARMA)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.42 FOR ANSWER ON 18.02.2009

(a)&(b) The Government has initiated a process of consultation in this regard with several stakeholders including representatives of electronic media and concerned Governmental Agencies.

(c) & (d) Yes, Sir.The Government has given a commitment that any initiative involving guidelines for electronic media, etc. would be taken only after the widest possible consultations with all concerned stakeholders.