Play better gatekeeper on sensitive issues: NBSA tells channels

New Delhi: With controversies related to the defence establishment emerging one after another, the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) has advised television news channels to report responsibly on sensitive matters related to national security. In a letter to all its members, the NBSA, which is a self-regulatory body set up by the TV news channels, has said that in the last few days its member channels had been reporting on issues relating to the defence establishment.[caption id=“attachment_266661” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Asking for matured reporting. AP”]  [/caption] “It must be appreciated that most defence related matters are highly sensitive since they impinge upon national security and relations with foreign states,” the NBSA letter said. “In view of such sensitivity, while reporting matters relating to the defence establishment care must be taken by the member broadcasters not to air sensitive communications or any information relating to the armed forces, their officers, the administration and ancillary matters,” the letter added. The NBSA said a Code of Ethics and Specific Guidelines, were to be observed while reporting on issues relating to national security. The letter said as per the guidelines, news channels were expected that in the use of any terminology or maps, that represent India and Indian strategic interests, all news channels will use specific terminology and maps mandated by law and Indian government rules. News channels will also refrain from broadcasts that encourage secessionist groups, or reveal information that endangers lives and national security, the NBSA said. However, the NBSA letter made it clear that “it is in the public interest to broadcast instances of breach of national security and loopholes in national security and reporting these cannot be confused with endangering national security”. The letter also advised broadcasters not to disclose confidential information of operations involving national security. “Broadcasters should use due discretion in reporting on operational methods used by perpetrators of serious offences against the State during the occurrence of the event,” the letter said. The NBSA also reminded news channels that live interviews with perpetrators should not be aired. Another guideline that found mention in the NBSA letter said that “reporting of events which erodes public confidence in the capacity of national institutions meant to protect them should be avoided during the occurrence of the event”. Broadcasters should not reveal technical details of operations, to prevent information relating to strategies and operations of security agencies becoming known to the perpetrators, the NBSA letter said. In the letter which was signed by Annie Joseph, official of the NBSA on 29 March, the regulatory body asked TV news channels to adhere to these Guidelines “while reporting on issues relating to the defence establishment of the country and ancillary matters”. PTI