The News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA)

News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority

The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority has slapped a fine on the TV channel for not adhering to the guidelines and also failing to abide by a court verdict while airing on April 6 a debate linked to the hijab controversy.

The Authority observed that the anchor had not only violated the Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards and the Specific Guidelines Covering Reportage but also failed to abide by the decision of the Bombay High Court in Nilesh Navalakha & Anr. Vs. Union of India & Ors.

The news anchor failed to stop other panelists from crossing the boundary, but gave them a platform to express extreme views which could adversely affect the communal harmony in the country, it said.

What is the News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA)?

• About: 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.
• Powers and 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.

What is the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA)?

• About:
  • 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.
• Mission: 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 26 news and current affairs broadcasters (comprising 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.
• Funding: The organization is entirely funded by its members.

Sharing is caring!