I&B Ministry
Pandey Panel ignores Reddy’s suggestions; moratorium to continue
BANGALORE: The Karnataka state government formed Pandey Panel has decided to ignore Information and Broadcasting minister’s gentle pressure on Karnataka CM Dharam Singh and decided to continue the seven-week moratorium on release of non-Kannada films.
The film exhibitors were conspicuous by their absence.
Theaters, which used to run non-Kannada films foresee a bleak future if they are not permitted to release films at the same time as all over India and the world. Many owners are considering converting their properties to shopping malls or developing properties there.
Of the 68 theaters which shut shops following the call given by the now dissolved Karnataka Cinema Owners Theater Association (KCTOA), four had already started screening English films. Another 50 may start operations by screening Kannada films, subject to availability. The film exhibitors have given up hope saying that the Karnataka Film Producers Association (KFPA) is too strong. So in Karnataka, might is right and the government seems to be practically doing nothing to sort out the issue.
In yet another development, actor turned politician Ambarish has been given the responsibility to mediate and sort the issue. He is supposed to meet all the three directly effected parties – KFPA, exhibitors and distributors on 15 September.
I&B Ministry
MIB halts news TRPs for four weeks over sensational US-Iran conflict coverage
Government flags panic-mongering in television war coverage
NEW DELHI: India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council India (BARC) to suspend television ratings for news channels for four weeks amid concerns over sensational coverage of the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran.
According to media reports, the move intends to curb excessive dramatisation in television reporting that could trigger unnecessary public anxiety.
Officials have observed that several news broadcasters are amplifying developments in the conflict in ways that may fuel panic among viewers. By temporarily halting the publication of viewership data, the ministry hopes to ease the competitive pressure on channels to chase ratings through sensational content.
The suspension will remain in effect for one month for now. During this period, television news channels will continue to broadcast as usual, but their audience measurement figures will neither be counted nor released.
Authorities will monitor both the evolving geopolitical situation and the tone of television coverage during the pause. The four-week suspension could be extended if the government believes the risk of panic-mongering or sensational reporting persists.
