6.8.9.2 Control of Social and Broadcast Media

Media in India is against external regulation. But it is realized that self-regulation may turn out to be no regulation at all. Hence PCI sought to bring electronic and social media under its ambit.

According to PCI chairperson, there is difference between regulation and control. There are two rights on which media claims independence –

♤ Article 19(1) (a) – Under freedom of speech expression

♤ Article 19(1) (g) – Freedom to practice any profession, occupation, trade or business

Neither of these rights is absolute. Moreover, media cannot claim to be a purely commercial venture.

Levenson Report on Media in Britain – also calls for regulation of media.