Fourth Estate
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"