NBA Welcomes SC Order On Media Freedom For Covid-19 Coverage, Weeding Out Fake News

The Association agreed with the order of the apex court’s dated 31.3.2020, that media should play a responsible role in reporting about the Coronavirus pandemic, which has infected many across the world.

Representational Image For Fake News (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

New Delhi: The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) on Wednesday, welcomed the Supreme Court order for weeding out “fake news” on social media while telecasting news on the Coronavirus crisis. The Association agreed with the order of the apex court’s dated 31.3.2020, that media should play a responsible role in reporting about the Coronavirus pandemic, which has infected many across the world. NBA said it is pleased to learn that a daily bulletin by the Government of India through all media avenues including social media and forums will be made available to clear the doubts of people. This would help media immensely to clarify the doubts and enable them to do accurate reporting. NBA also appreciated the Supreme Court’s stand on freedom of press. The SC has acknowledged the freedom of the press and has stated that it does not intent to interfere with the free discussion, debate and coverage about the pandemic. The statement by the NBA comes after the SC directed the government to start daily bulletin on all media avenues, including social media and forums to clear doubts of people, within 24 hours. 'In particular, we expect the media (Print, Electronic or Social) to maintain a strong sense of responsibility, and ensure that unverified news capable of causing panic is not disseminated,' the Supreme Court said in its order.