A few hours ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed the Information & Broadcast Ministry to withdraw the controversial newsletter over fake news. As per ANI, he also directed that the matter should only be addressed in the Press Council of India.
#FLASH: Prime Minister has directed that the press release regarding fake news be withdrawn and the matter should only be addressed in Press Council of India. pic.twitter.com/KVUBeAoDhC
— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018
This intervention by PM was gladly welcomed by the media as well as others on social media.
Wow. Excellent news! Thank you @narendramodi . Good to see that better sense prevails. https://t.co/BRBg548l8k
— Rupa Subramanya (@rupasubramanya) April 3, 2018
Big story: @PMOIndia withdraws the Ministry of Information and broadcasting press release that was penalizing mainstream media in the name of #FakeNews Welcome intervention https://t.co/uZtDODURig
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) April 3, 2018
The amendment to the Guidelines for Accreditation of Journalists was issued in the form of a newsletter by the I&B Ministry on Monday. It stated that the accreditation of a journalist can be canceled if the news reported by him/her turns out to be fake.
It also stated that the Press Council of India (PCI) will handle the print media while news in electronic media will be dealt by News Broadcaster’s Association. Both of these bodies would be checking the credibility of the news and decide whether it’s fake or not within 15 days.
In the amendment, the consequences for broadcasting or publishing fake news were also stated. For the first violation, the accreditation would be suspended for six months while for the second one it would be extended to 1 year. If the violation is found to take place for the third time, the journalist would permanently lose his/her accreditation.
The Information & Broadcast Minister Smriti Irani even tweeted to welcome suggestions and feedback in order to ensure that an ethical journalism is practiced. However, the news was perceived as a threat to freedom of the press. Hours later, PM Modi directed the ministry to withdraw the press release and the ministry obliged.
PIB Press release titled “Guidelines for accreditation of Journalists amended to regulate Fake News” stands withdrawn https://t.co/uClAvinbkQ
— MIB India (@MIB_India) April 3, 2018
