NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, JUNE 27
Stating that The Digital Media Ethics Code-2021 is a citizen centric regulation to address the grievances of common man and over 1,500 publishers have already furnished their information, Information and Broadcasting Ministry Joint Secretary Vikram Sahay said its framing was necessitated due to the unprecedented growth in publishing of news, films and other content on the digital media platforms and to create a level-playing field between traditional and digital media platforms.
He was addressing a virtual interaction with the representatives of Film industry, OTT platforms, digital news publishers and academicians from the Southern States on Friday.
Sahay said, “The Digital Media Ethics Code-2021 has been framed as a citizen centric regulation for addressing the grievances of common man.
Highlighting the Part III of the rules related to Digital News Publishers and OTT Platforms of Digital Media Ethics Code-2021, Sahay said, “Its framing was necessitated due to the unprecedented growth in publishing of news, films and other content on the digital media platforms and to create a level-playing field between traditional and digital media platforms.”
Sahay said by ensuring a proper grievance redressal system, the number of grievances which were earlier received by the Ministry has come down to a great extent. He clarified that no registration is needed for online news portals. However, furnishing of basic information regarding the publisher in prescribed form is mandatory.
Addressing the concerns of the small players in the digital media with regard to adhering to the Code of Ethics, Sahay said instead of joining the existing national regulatory bodies, the small players can come together to make new self-regulatory bodies. He said the Ministry of I&B has already received many such requests and is welcoming small players to come together to form their own self-regulatory bodies. He said the government is also open to allay all fears and apprehensions of the industry with regard to the new code. “The concern is only one that once you are a news publisher, you are expected to adhere to the Code of Ethics. Anyone can get into this profession… there is no pre-registration, no prior permission required, that is the real power of the digital media,” he said.
Answering to a question on the existing regulations for the film producers compared to the absolute creative freedom enjoyed by the OTT content producers Sahay said the new code is evolving and pointed out certain queries received by the Ministry about registering online publishers and content creators about procedures to register themselves with the ministry. This showed that they would like to be a part of the recognized body.
Vikram Sahay said that publishers are expected to adhere to the Code of Ethics, furnish information to the ministry in requisite format as early as possible, and constitute self-regulating body through mutual consultation and disclosure of grievances disposed. He said that over 1,500 publishers have already furnished their information.
On queries regarding pre-censorship he said government has already invited comments from the stakeholders regarding the amendment of Cinematograph Act, 1952.
Over 240 participants representing Online Media, OTT platforms, Film Industry, Production houses, Distributers and Theatre owners from the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh attended the virtual interaction.
Issues ranging from curbing of fake news, authenticity of content, censorship for films in public exhibition and self-regulation for OTT platforms, piracy were discussed in the two-hour long webinar.
Director General South Zone welcomed the gathering highlighting the salient features of the Digital Media Ethics Code-2021 and the need for interaction with all stake holders. Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau, Chennai, M Annadurai moderated the webinar. The online interaction was also attended by V Palanichamy, Additional DG, PIB Kerala, Natasha S D’ Souza, Digital Media Ethics Code-2021 DG, PIB Karnataka and senior officials of Ministry of I&B from South Zone.
