MPs discuss reported attempts to gag media in Parliament

New Delhi: Serious concern was voiced in Rajya Sabha today over reported attempts to curb the independence of media by government and other agencies, control of industrial houses over media organisations, paid news and working conditions of journalists. Initiating a discussion on the situation arising from the reported attempts to curb the independence of media and restrict the freedom of expression, YS Chowdary (TDP) said media is considered the fourth pillar of the democracy but recently attempts have been made to restrict its freedom.[caption id=“attachment_1656279” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Parliament of India. Reuters[/caption] He said an attempt has been made in newly carved out state Telangana to gag freedom of expression by banning relay of two TV channels by the association of Telangana Multiple System Operators alleging they had been airing programmes denigrating Telangana dialect while the government there is a silent spectator. Questioning the role of the elected government, he said the Telangana Assembly had earlier passed a resolution authorising the Speaker to initiate any action he deemed fit against the TV channels. “Can we allow any of 29 states to run like princely states?…Will it not amount to dictatorship,” he asked, terming the move as “deplorable” and urged the House to unanimously condemn it. He also raised the issue of control exercised by industrial houses over media organsiations and condemned media trial of individuals. Chowdary said the phenomenon of paid news was detrimental to the society. Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu (Congress) charged the new Telangana chief minister with trying to stop communication of certain channels in the state. He said the new regime in Telangana has already started working against their interests. “The first Chief Minister of Telangana has created such a havoc. In 100 days they are able to censor with new methods. The government should study the issue and try to evolve such a mechanism to create the necessary environment for the free flow of communication,” he said. PTI