Question : REGULATORY MACHANISM FOR ELECTRONIC MEDIA

(a) whether the Government has ruled out imposition of any regulatory mechanism on electronic media in the wake of emergency situation like the Mumbai terror attacks;

(b) is so, whether the Government is considering self regulation as a measure to tackle such an emergency;

(c) whether the Government proposes to set up a group of official spokespersons, who can provide accurate information to the media in an emergency situation;

(d) if so, whether the Government proposes to bring a legislation for regulating electronic media;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the Government is also considering a five year tax break for digital TV services; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF INFORNATION & BROADCASTING (SMT. AMBIKA SONI)

(a) & (b) The Committee constituted for reviewing the content code has submitted its report to the Government in the form of draft self regulation guidelines for the broadcasting sector(2008). Meanwhile, News Broadcasters Association representing 31 main private news channels, has come out with its Self-regulation guidelines for telecast of news during emergency situations.

(c) The officers of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the official news agency of the Government function as official spokespersons of the Central Ministries and Departments at New Delhi. However, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is under consultation for facilitating the Media on such occasions.

(d) to (e) The Government is consulting stakeholders on the proposed draft Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill.

(f) & (g) No, Sir.