Speaker allows videography

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, MAY 31. Creating a history of sorts, the Speaker, Mr. K. Kalimuthu, today allowed videographing of the Assembly proceedings by private television channels.

For the first time, the verbal duels and skirmishes, and shouts and counter-shouts were caught on camera. Until now, only the Films Division and the state-owned Doordarshan had the right of entry into the House. Even such coverage was limited to the Governor's address, and budget presentation. In the beginning only the pro-AIADMK Jaya TV was granted permission to enter the House with the camera unit, but, soon enough, following specific requests, the other channels, including the pro-DMK Sun TV, were allowed in.

The matter was raised by the DMK MLA, Mr. Parithi Ilamvazhuthi, who wanted to know why conventions were being set aside to facilitate coverage by Jaya TV. Television coverage, he noted, was allowed only during the Governor's address and budget presentation. However, the Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha, explained that such coverage was allowed in other States too. Indeed, Teja TV, a sister concern of Sun TV, had telecast Assembly proceedings in Andhra Pradesh.

Also, there was no discrimination in allowing private channels, she said and referred to the presence of a Sun TV camera unit in the House. Mr. Ilamvazhuthi, however, claimed that other TV channels had to fight for their right to be treated on a par with Jaya TV before they were granted permission to enter the House.

The Speaker, meanwhile, clarified that he had granted permission to all TV units.

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Section  : Southern States
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