Radia tapes: Media watchdog ‘shocked’

The Indian chapter of South Asian Media Commission (SAMC) has viewed with “shock and anguish” the contents of the tapped conversations of lobbyists seeking to manipulate media coverage to serve corporate interests.

The Indian chapter of South Asian Media Commission (SAMC) has viewed with “shock and anguish” the contents of the tapped conversations of lobbyists seeking to manipulate media coverage to serve corporate interests. The watchdog has asked journalists figuring in the tapes to express regret.

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The commission has suggested measures to address the “ethical vacuum” in the media by media outfits making known ownership patterns and journalists disclosing assets.

Further in its review, the SAMC said one media worker and 19 journalists, including two in India, were killed in 2010. On India, it noted problems journalists face in the north and northeast. It mentioned how Kashmir was without newspaper for days as government failed to provide security.

Following the “paid news syndrome” that hurt media credibility, the Press Council of India has also suggested that guidelines be followed strictly.

Positives for the year include the Cabinet’s decision to take up a law to protect whistleblowers and the Delhi high court’s quashing of proceedings against two journalists who unearthed the cash-for-query scam.