< Previous | Contents | Next >
5. Responsibility of Government Media
In broadcast of election related news or analysis, Public Service Broadcasters are expected to lead by example in terms of neutrality and objectivity, and adhere to various guidelines including their own.
The Election Commission has a fruitful arrangement with Prasar Bharati in providing free broadcast time on All India Radio and Doordarshan to recognised National and State parties so as to ensure a level playing field in elections. The political parties in this manner can reach out to every corner of the country, even in the remotest parts. In addition to this, Prasar Bharati’s contribution in spreading voter awareness and educating the public about their voting rights and responsibilities is of great consequence to the inclusion of all in the electoral process. The contribution of Prasar Bharati has come in good measure in this arena.
The Election Commission also urges PIB, DAVP, National Film Development Corporation, Directorate of Field Publicity, Song and Drama Division and many other Central and State Information Directorates/ Departments to come forward and shoulder the same responsibility.
1. Gordon Marshall, Oxford Dictionary of Sociology, First Indian Edition, 2004, p.696.
2. Oinam Kulabidhu, Electoral Politics in Manipur, 1980-1995 (Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis submitted to the Manipur University, 1998).
3. Stephen L. Wasby, Political Science: The Discipline and its Dimensions, 1972, Scientific Book Agency, Calcutta, p.308.
4. David Robertson, The Penguin Dictionary of Politics, Second Edition, 1993, p.485.
5. K.R. Acharya (Ed.), Perspectives on Indian Government and Politics, Second Edition, 1991, S. Chand & Company Ltd., p.403.
6. Caste in Indian Politics and Politics in India are the two major contributions of Rajni Kothari to the study of Indian politics.
7. Paul R. Brass, The Politics of India Since Independence, Second Edition, Cambridge University Press, pp. 97-98.
8. Linguism means love for one’s language and hatred towards other languagespeaking people.
9. 'Charisma’ means exceptional and attractive qualities of a leader.
10. Paul R. Brass, The 19B4 Parliamentary Elections in Uttar Pradesh, Asian Survey, June, 1986.
11. Handbook for Media-2014, Election Commission of India, pp.14-17.