Ensure media ops not affected: Govt to states

False and fake news need to be avoided and good practices need to be promoted and these networks play a pivotal role in ensuring the same I&B MINISTRY

NEW DELHI: The information and broadcasting ministry told state governments on Tuesday to ensure that media operations are not impacted due to lockdowns imposed by local authorities.

In a letter to all states, the ministry said media networks play a pivotal role to ensure that authentic information, and not fake and false news, reaches the people.

The Centre’s communication to states comes amid lockdowns ordered by state and district authorities placing severe restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus disease that has infected over 500 people in India.

“At this juncture, robust and essential information dissemination networks viz. TV channels, news agencies, teleport operators, digital satellite news gathering (DSNG), Direct to Home (DTH) and Highend-inthe-sky (HITS), Multi System Operators (MSOS), cabinet operators, frequency modulation radio and community radio stations are of utmost importance to ensure timely and authentic information dissemination.

“False and fake news need to be avoided and good practices need to be promoted and these networks play a pivotal role in ensuring the same,” the ministry said.

“In order to ensure continuity of these services, it is requested that state governments/union territory administrations facilitate operational convenience of the above mentioned services,” the letter by the ministry’s director, Gopal Sadhwani, said.