Curbs on TV channels urged

The state government will urge the Centre to bring in a legislation to rein in private TV channels from indulging in sensationalism.

The information minister, Dr J. Geeta Reddy, said the Chief Minister would take up the issue with the Centre. The government will stay committed to the freedom of the media but it would insist that channels maintain restraint in the people’s interest, she said.

The move came after several complaints that TV news channels were fanning the flames by repeatedly telecasting scenes of violence. The last straw was the violence following the report by TV5, based on a Russian website’s claims linking YSR’s death with the Ambanis.

She maintained that the government was committed to the welfare of journalists and pointed out that health insurance benefits under Rajiv Arogyasri were extended to journalists.