‘Self-regulation essential for media’ 14 October 2012 GOA, 14 OCT: Various speakers at a media summit held in Goa emphasised on the importance of self-regulation for the users of social networking. Referring to the recent Assam exodus the speakers asserted that the incident might be considered an eye opener for everyone against the misuse of social media networking, which is unedited and inexplicable. Inaugurating the 9th Annual South Asia Media Summit 2012, held at The International Centre, Dona Paula, Goa, this morning, Governor Bharat Vir Wanchoo also referred to the exodus. Organised by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) India, in association with The International Centre Goa and Media Information and Communication Centre of India from 14-16 October, the summit titled ‘Government Curbing Media? Regulation vs Self-regulation of Media in South Asia’ was attended by senior media professionals from various countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and India. The Goa Governor, however, did not forget to mention that the mainstream media may directly or indirectly be driven by some business interest, but at the end of the day, the media should not lose its missionary character. Media house owners should not engage the media space only for profit, sacrificing the media’s immense role as a conscience keeper in the society, the Governor added. Mr Pratapsinh Rane, opposition leader in the Goa Legislative Assembly and President of the International Centre Goa, spoke on the Assam exodus. He asserted that the social media should be regulated, if not controlled. Ms Adrienne Woltersdorf of FES, argued that self-regulation for mainstream media and the users of social networking sites is important not because of any authority’s pressure or plan to go for curbing the media, rather, it is essential for the credibility of the medium. But she admitted that there is no such arrangement in practice anywhere in the world. The journalist-turned- activist from German also expressed dismay that media houses in various countries have made it a habit to ignore the recommendations and orders of a quasi-judicial body like the Press Council in their countries. Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Ms Nandini Sahai, Director of International Centre Goa, said that as the market-driven media tends to sensationalise news, the role of the media as the watchdog of society is questioned. She also added that the media is blamed for blurring the line between news and advertisements. The first day of the session was also addressed by Mr Rajeshwar Dyal, senior media adviser to FES India with journalists and media rights activists, including Mr Mujeeb Khalvatgar from Afghanistan, Mr Muhammad Badar Alam from Pakistan, Mr Yubaraj Ghimire from Nepal, Mr Waruna Karunatilaka from Sri lanka, Mr Rinzin Wangchuk from Bhutan, Mr Anand Agashe, Mr Sidharth Bhatia from India. sns
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