Date:05/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/05/stories/2008120556121300.htm

New Delhi

Advisory to television channels

Special Correspondent

Asked to avoid repeat telecast of Mumbai terror attacks

NEW DELHI: The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has asked television news channels to avoid repeat telecast of footage – particularly gory scenes – of the Mumbai terror attacks due to an apprehension that it would evoke strong sentiments among those affected and slow down the return of normality.

An advisory sent to the news networks on Wednesday said “gory scenes should not be shown” and “tragedy should not be replayed.” It pointed out that media had a role to play in ensuring the return of normality.

The Ministry’s contention is that continued telecast of the footage would also give further mileage to terrorists whose intention is to create a climate of fear.

Seeking to provide broad guidelines on media coverage, the Ministry said news coverage on the attacks should show that India has not been demoralised.

Further, media should project the support the country had got from abroad in its fight against terror.

The advisory has also been sent to organisations such as the News Broadcasters Association.

A similar request was made to news channels last year during the peak of the Gujjar agitation.

Pointing out that news channels repeated footage on the agitation without clarifying that it was a re-run, the Ministry’s view was that such coverage sent across the impression that the situation was still far from control when in effect normality was returning.