Dasmunsi not banning sting operations by media

New Delhi, June 25 (UNI) Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi today said the government had no intention of putting a ban on sting operations carried out by TV channels and other media.

''Sting operation is good if it brings out acts of corruption committed by those holding public offices,'' he said addressing the 40th convocation of the India Institute of Mass Communication here.

He, however, cautioned that such individual privacy should not be violated in the name of investigative journalism.

Editor-in Chief of CNN-IBN Rajdeep Sardesai, who was the guest of honour on the occasion, later added that if the private life of individuals affected their public decision, such person should not be spared in the name of right to privacy.

Mr Dasmunsi used the occasion to assure the media fraternity that the government was fully committed to safeguarding the freedom of the Press and the proposed Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill would bear testimony to that.

He announced that the Bill was being finalised with more talks being held with stake holders and it would be introduced in the coming monsoon session of Parliament.

''For the last 15 days I am studying broadcast laws in the US and European countries to see how our law can be made more democratic and conducive to the growth of a free media, and I have asked the Secretary to hold more talks with stakeholders to make the Bill as representative as possible,'' he said.

He also announced that by the end of the 11th Plan, around 500 TV channels will become operational.

The Minister suggested to the IIMC faculty to start separate courses in Environmental sciences and sports journalism.

''Political journalism is the easiest but writing on economic, environmental issues and sports takes more time and effort,'' he added.

He advised the pass outs ''never compromise on truth and never accept half truth.'' On this occasion, Secretray of the Ministry Asha Swarup gave away diplomas and awards.

IIMC Director Stuti Kakkar read out the Annual Report.

UNI