Democratic Institutions
What happens when a journalist’s press card becomes a tool to target them? By Kalpana Sharma 14 Apr, 2022 https://www.newslaundry.com/2022/04/14/what-happens-when-a-journalists-press-card-becomes-a-tool-to-target-them
There have been rising instances of attacks on Muslim journalists, and the state’s silence tells its own story.
By Kalpana Sharma 14 Apr, 2022
Given all else happening in the country right now – with daily reports of poor Muslim vendors being attacked in different states, and of the bulldozer replacing any notion of justice in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh – this particular incident might be relegated to a footnote in history. But it should not be forgotten. And it should be recognised for what it represents – a serious denting of the already beleaguered state of a free and independent media in India.
Despite April 3, it is commendable that journalists like Meer Faisal and others continue to document and report the atrocities taking place. Although some sections of mainstream media are also reporting these developments, it is not enough. One has to note that the Mahapanchayat of April 3, where these journalists were attacked, was not covered by any prominent news organisation.
If we need a record in future about the slippery slope of sectarian violence down which this country is rapidly sliding, it will be because of the determined reporting by these young reporters, despite the risks they face.
The greater worry is the state's silence and the abdication of its duty to protect journalists and allow them to function. There has been absolutely no word from anyone senior in government condemning what happened on April 3. Would journalists be wrong then to conclude that the message from the mob, to silence independent media, has the implicit support of the governing dispensation?
There are several models that can both preserve media independence as well as regulate it https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/drawing-a-red-line-s-y-quraishi-6609575/
The News Broadcasters Association (NBA), which was set up in 2008, in turn, set up the National Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA), with the legendary former Chief Justice of India, Justice J S Verma, as its chairman. In the first 10 years, the NBSA has considered and dealt with 2,669 complaints and issued 74 judgements/orders... I must admit we often felt exasperated that despite our best efforts, we could not discipline some of the channels spewing venom day in and day out.
The government has pointed out to the SC the disastrous role social media is playing in tearing the social fabric and the need to tackle it before television. This seems to be a red herring to divert the SC’s attention.
To both preserve the independence of the media, whose role in a democracy is indispensable, as well as to regulate it, there are several possible indigenous models. One model is empowering the NBSA with statutory backing, more stringent powers and extending its writ to all news channels. The other model could be an SC-appointed monitoring panel — like the one it set up in 1998 to monitor encroachments in Delhi which worked very effectively till the members became too old and the Court just forgot about them after appointing them. The Press Council model is an equal failure, spineless and toothless, despite a retired SC judge heading it. The fourth model is like the Election Commission — a constitutionally-appointed body which was empowered by the SC in 2002 as a regulator to enforce the model code of conduct evolved by the political parties voluntarily for self-discipline.
Freedom of Expression and Censorship – Anand Patwardhan Nov 20, 2021 Reimagining India - India Inclusive Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teuC_tbNYIo Anand Patwardhan discusses the evolution of censorship in India and its deteriorating conditions. He highlights the worsening conditions of creative freedom under the current regime that has further squeezed the avenues available to filmmakers to seek censorship certification and retain their creative control over their cinematic products. He draws a few significant parallels between the Taliban regime and the current political regime in India while highlighting the declining freedom of speech, fall in the democracy index, and increased attacks on minorities. Mr. Patwardhan discusses the increasing control over various media platforms by the government and restrictions over creative dissent. He warns of the impending self-censorship that comes with increasing government control and advocates standing up against it.
Poet and lyricist Prasoon Joshi was appointed as the Chairman of CBFC. He replaced the controversial CBFC Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani who was relieved from his duties before his term ended. Joshi said Prasoon Joshi On Becoming The New CBFC Chief AUGUST 12, 2017
Pahlaj Nihalani shown the door as CBFC chief, Prasoon Joshi appointed new chairman https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/pahlaj-nihalani-shown-the-door-as-cbfc-chief-prasoon-joshi-appointed-new-chairman
The government replaced Pahlaj Nihalani with songwriter-poet Prasoon Joshi as the chief of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). AUGUST 12, 2017
With Post Joshi’s appointment, the CBFC has also set up a new board that includes Gautami Tadimalla, Narendra Kohli, Naresh Chandra Lal, Neil Herbert Nongkynrih, Vivek Agnihotri, Waman Kendre, Vidya Balan, TS Nagabharana, Ramesh Patange, Vani Tripati Tikoo, Jeevitha Rajasekhar and Mihir Bhuta.
Since his appointment as the head of the Central Board of Film Certification in January 2015, Nihalani made headlines for some controversial moves and statements
Nihalani was in the news related to the multiple cuts in Madhur Bhandarkar's "Indu Sarkar" and refusal to certify "Lipstick Under My Burqa"
US Dollar is biggest financial terrorist in the world, says Uday Kotak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXC9BsiRLlU
Comments of Whats app
- I hear Uday saying our institutions need strengthening.
- if the US dollar is a financial terrorist in the world, because it uses it monopoly power over the economy, doesn't it follow that whoever controls the currency within the country is a financial terrorist within the country. We have seen the RBI being asked to give it reserves to the govt, which increasingly bringing taxes under cover like the changes in Taxation on Debt instruments a few days before its implementation leaving little maneuvering room for small investors, retired person who needed to run to CAs at the last minute, just to understand the new provisions..
In fact it is now the banker who find it more profitable and safe to give loans for activiities that generate more money, rather than any production/services, that terrorises the economy like we saw in the Adani case. All the money, all the public assets, and all the public policy are now held hostage..
3588 https://youtu.be/BoJV-ouJndg?list=PLqie7QTkNnMbao8j-BIC58fG-Sp3JyySF&t=3760
Animal Spirits discussion preceded this byte.. https://www.youtube.com/embed/BoJV-ouJndg?start=1651&end=1895 G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that private sector has been given the incentive by reducing tax rates 1.45 lakh crores.. Now the private sector must take the risk.. ( Did he mean the public who gives the money or produces the wealth ..?)
After that Kotak said The geo-politics is being handled brilliantly, valuations are now attractive, and India is offering stability.. but the challenge is to get the broader corporate India to invest. https://www.youtube.com/embed/BoJV-ouJndg?start=1895&end=2054 .
Subcategories
Fourth Estate
For Free speech and Media Rights see Fundamental Rights under Civil Liberties