Paid news a grave issue, says new I&B minister
30 Oct 2012 8:44 AM IST
Manish Tewari, the newly sworn-in minister of state for Information and Broadcasting, on Monday described paid news as a very grave issue and said efforts would be made to evolve a political consensus on it. Tewari, who was Congress spokesperson till Saturday, said he met his predecessor Ambika Soni after being given the independent charge.
‘I called on her. In addition to being a former minister, she’s a very senior colleague in the party. So, I went and sought her guidance and blessings,? he said.
Asked about paid news, he said: ‘I realise the gravity of the situation with regard to paid news, since I have fought two elections. But it is a situation on which we should get a consensus with all parties on the issue.’
Tewari also said his ministry’s job was not to regulate the media, but to ensure a level playing field for everyone. On the digitisation of cable television, which is to be effected in the four metros from Nov 1, Tewari said the roadmap had been laid for the process and he would meet the officials looking into it.
‘I called on her. In addition to being a former minister, she’s a very senior colleague in the party. So, I went and sought her guidance and blessings,? he said.
Asked about paid news, he said: ‘I realise the gravity of the situation with regard to paid news, since I have fought two elections. But it is a situation on which we should get a consensus with all parties on the issue.’
Tewari also said his ministry’s job was not to regulate the media, but to ensure a level playing field for everyone. On the digitisation of cable television, which is to be effected in the four metros from Nov 1, Tewari said the roadmap had been laid for the process and he would meet the officials looking into it.
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