- The Union government said the Supreme Court should frame guidelines drawing the line between journalistic freedom and responsible journalism for digital media first rather than mainstream electronic and print media.
- Web-based news portals, YouTube channels as well as Over The Top (OTT) platforms had huge potential to become viral.
- Unlike mainstream publication and telecast, digital media was perpetually widening its viewership, like in a loop, through multiple web and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook.
- Hence, what was written or shown in digital media had “serious impact and potential.
- It was responding to a proposal by the court to frame guidelines against communal and derogatory content in mainstream media.
- The court had mooted the idea while staying the broadcast of show “Bindas Bol” on Sudarshan TV.
- The show is accused of “vilifying” members of the Muslim community who join the civil services.
- The Centre’s affidavit is not limited to Sudarshan TV.
- It focuses on the larger aspect of framing of media guidelines.
- It said digital media should not be overlooked at any cost.
- The court underlined that “journalistic freedom is not absolute”.
