CoP warns tele channels against telecasting inflamatory programmes

14 September, Bengaluru

In the wake of violent incidents in the cityin the aftermath of Cauvery river water dispute between Karnatakaand Tamil Nadu, Bangalore city Police Commissioner N S Megharik hasadvised television channels not to telecast footage of violentincidents like rioting.

In an advisory to television news channels and local cableoperators under Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995,Mr Megharik had advised the channels not to air provocativeclippings of arson and rioting and attacks that may provoke.

”Under this act, I am advising television channels to followthe provisions of the Programme Code scrupulouly and exerciserestraint and sensitivity while reporting such incidents and refrainfrom telecasting any material which could ignite passions and createlaw and order problem in the city.

”Any violation of such advisory may lead to prosecution ofoffenders as per the Act,” he warned in the advisory.

He said channels should telecast news and views or commentsrelating to Cauvery water dispute only after proper verification offacts and presented with due caution and restraint in a mannerwhich is in public interest for maintaining harmony.

According to the basic conditions of the Act the channels werebound to follow Programme Code as prescribed under the said Act.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu,yesterday, in his appeal, from New Delhi, to the people ofKarnataka and Tamil Nadu to maintain peace, had asked TV newschannels to restrain themselves from showing violent incidentsrepeatedly.