(a) whether the Government have emphasised the need for a code of conduct for the media;
(b) if so, whether the Government have taken any initiative through the Press Council of India
or otherwise in this regard;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the progress made in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 201 FOR REPLY ON 29TH JULY, 2002
The Press Council of India, a self regulatory body for Press, has been established for
the purposes of preserving the freedom of the Press and maintaining and improving the
standards of newspapers and news agencies. Section 13(2)(b) of the Press Council Act, 1978
enjoins upon the Press Council to build up a Code of Conduct for newspapers, news agencies
and journalists in accordance with high professional standards. The Press Council has
accordingly brought out a publication `Norms of Journalistic Conduct` which covers principles
and ethics with regard to journalism and also guidelines on reporting the specific issues of
public and national importance.
The Prasar Bharati, an autonomous organisation, adheres to explicit Broadcast and
Advertising Codes. Satellite channels transmitting programmes through cable networks, are
required to adhere to the Programme and Advertising Codes prescribed under the provisions of
the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.