Centre to monitor content on local news channels in states: Tewari

NEW DELHI: Information and broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari has said the Centre is keeping a watch on local news channels and monitoring their content to ascertain whether cable cartels are monopolising electronic media in some states, including Punjab.

?The masses have the right to see and read whatever they want. But we have received some complaints from Punjab and some other parts of the country alleging that viewers are being served only specific content. We are checking if a cable cartel is at work so that necessary action could be taken,? Tewari said during a reception accorded to him by the Ludhiana District Congress over the weekend following his appointment as Minister.

Tewari said, ?I have received complaints. The department is studying them. We are looking for the definition of local news and if needed will refer to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act as well. We will take suitable action against the channels, if they are found violating the norms.?

Sources said he was referring to the local PTC channel, in which Shiromani Akali Dal President and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal is a major shareholder, though Tewari did not name the channel.

Lauding his predecessor, Ambika Soni, he said the digitalisation process she initiated had been successful and would soon be extended to other cities. This, he explained, would help in rationalisation of the process of disbursement of information.

He said there was need for an independent and strong media in a democracy. He said the freedom of expression guaranteed in the Indian constitution included freedom to choose media; whether print, electronic or digital.

The growth of media would lead to employment generation, which he had every intention of ensuring, he added. He assured that a level playing field would be provided to all players and said the achievements of the UPA government would be communicated to the people.