Cauvery water row: Centre asks broadcasters to show facts after verification
New Delhi: Observing that some TV channels had telecast "provocative and inflammatory" programmes related to Cauvery water dispute, the Centre has asked broadcasters to show facts after verification and with due caution in public interest for maintaining harmony.
In an advisory issued by it, the I&B ministry said that certain TV channels have been telecasting provocative and inflammatory news or programmes.
"Some TV channels have also been airing footage of violent incidents, rioting, etc repeatedly. These could further ignite tensions and reactions and could cause the law and order situation in both the states to deteriorate," the I&B ministry said in an advisory issued on Tuesday.
It also emphasised that I&B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has appealed to people of both the states to maintain peace and not indulge in rioting and violence. Naidu, the advisory said has also sought that both the state governments take steps to check the spread of violence.
"Further, he (Naidu) has urged the media to exercise restraint in coverage of such incidents and has specifically requested the media to cooperate towards bringing the situation back to normalcy," the I&B ministry advisory said.
The ministry asked the media including cable networks to exercise restraint in covering incidents of violence and rioting and not to carry news in such a way that it incites violence.
"Telecast of live or file shots of violence or rioting may be avoided. Reportage may use shots of Cauvery river and security forces," the advisory said while also stressing that care should be exercised in the choice of words as well.
The I&B ministry said TV channels are bound to follow the provisions of the Programme Code and Advertising Code under the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act 1995, and advised them to exercise restraint and sensitivity while reporting such events.
