NEWS BROADCASTING AND DIGITAL STANDARDS AUTHORITY (NBDSA) – GOVERNANCE

News: News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority finds several TV news programmes to have violated Ethics Code

 

What's in the news?

       The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA), through a series of orders, has held certain programmes aired by News18 India and Zee News to be in violation of the Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards and Specific Guidelines.

       The news channels have been directed to remove their videos from online platforms.

 

Key takeaways:

       The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority draws attention to communal overtones, levies fines, advises caution.

 

News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA):

       The NBDSA is an independent body set up by the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA).

 

Objective:

       To lay-down and foster high standards, ethics and practices in news broadcasting, including entertaining and deciding complaints against or in respect of broadcasters.

 

Functions:

       NBDSA administers the Codes of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards, which has been voluntarily drawn by the NBDA for its member broadcasters to demonstrate their commitment to responsible broadcasting and to self-regulate themselves.

       NBDSA has no involvement in the day-to-day operations of the broadcasters.

       NBDSA does not monitor programming, nor does it pre-clear or pre-censor programming. The broadcasters have complete creative and editorial independence.

       The Authority may initiate proceedings on its own and issue notice or take action in respect to any matter which falls within its regulations.

       This can also be through complaints referred to the Authority by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting or any other governmental body, or by anyone else via its website.

       It can also recommend to the concerned authority for suspension/revocation of the license of such broadcasters, who do not adhere to its guidelines.

       The fine imposed by the Authority shall not exceed Rs. 1 lakh and such fine shall be recovered from the concerned broadcaster.

 

News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA):

       The NBDA [Formerly known as News Broadcasters Association (NBA)] represents the private television news, current affairs and digital broadcasters.

       The NBDA presents a unified and credible voice before the Government, on matters that affect the growing industry.

 

Funding:

       The organization is entirely funded by its members.

 

Objective:

       To serve as the eyes and ears of the private news, current affairs and digital broadcasters, to lobby on its behalf and to act as a central point of joint action on matters of interest.

 

Composition:

       The NBDA has 119 news and current affairs channels as its members.

       Various senior members of Indian media organizations serve on its Board of Directors.

       The body includes a Chairperson who is to be an eminent jurist, and other members such as news editors, and those experienced in the field of law, education, literature, public administration, etc. nominated by a majority of the Board.