DC Issues Media Advisory Following Communal Disturbances
Mangaluru: A handful of miscreants are trying to disturb the communal harmony in the district by isolated killing of people through stabbing and spreading rumours. Whereas, it has come to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of the Dakshina Kannada district that in wake of recent incidents related to isolated stabbing of people, television channels have been telecasting rumours, hearsay messages, carrying messages at the first instance without verifying the authenticity of the message or verification of facts. Some Television channels have also been airing footage of violent incidents, repeatedly. This could further ignite tension, disrupt communal harmony and the law and order situation in the district.
I the Deputy Commissioner of the Dakshina Kannada District, therefore, appeal the media and cable networks in the general interest of the people of the district keep in view the following:
l. News, Views and Comments relating to communal issues should be telecasted only after proper verification of facts and presented with due caution and restraint, in a manner which is in the public interest for maintaining communal harmony.
2. To exercise restraint while covering incidents of violence and rioting.
3. Not to carry news in such a way that it incites violence.
4. Telecast of live shots of violence may be avoided.
5. While reporting the incidents care may be exercised in the choice of words.
Whereas according to basic conditions/obligations of permission/ approval for uplinking/downlinking of television channels in India, the channels as per section (5) and (6) of the Act are bound to follow the programme code and advertising code as prescribed under the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act 1995 and Rules framed thereunder.
Therefore, I Dr K G Jagadeesha I.A.S., Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of the Dakshina Kannada District in Exercise of powers as an Authorised officer under section z(a)(r) and as per section r9 of the said act hereby advise all television channels to follow the provisions of the programme code and Advertising Code and the appeal made in the previous paras to maintain law & order and communal harmony in the district.
Further, it is hereby informed that any violation of the advisory may lead to prosecution of the offenders as per the provisions of the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act 1995.
Issued in the public interest on 9th July zor7.
(Dr.I(.G. Jagadeesha)
Deputy Commissioner &
District Magistrate
Dakshina Kannada, Mangaluru
To:
r) Commissioner of Police, Mangaluru City, Mangaluru – for information.
z) Superintendent of Police, Dakshina Kannada, Mangaluru- for information
3) All Concerned
+) All TV Channels/Cable TV Net Works Operators in Mangaluru District.
5) Editors/Owners/ CEO of All TV Channels, Cable TV Net Works in Mangaluru
District.
6) All Assistant Commissioners and Tahsildars of Dakshina Kannada District – for
information.