Nayyar opposes broadcast bill

Nagpur, Oct 2 (UNI) Noted columnist Kuldip Nayyar has opposed the move to enact a broadcast bill in the country.

Speaking at the 'Meet the Press' programme hosted by Nagpur Union of Working Journalists (NUWJ) here yesterday, Mr Nayyar said the bill is an attempt to restrain the press and the media, and will be an infringement of the freedom of expression. ''The Government has no business to interfere in the media,'' he said.

Asserting that the Press Council of India (PCI) has lost its purpose, Mr Nayyar said it should be replaced by a media council, which should be headed by a working journalist rather than a former judge. ''A judge turns the council into a courtroom. It should actually be a place for journalists to discuss issues,'' he added.

Mr Nayyar said that he was writing an autobiography, titled 'The Day Looks Old,' which he hopes to publish on August 14 next to coincide with his birthday.

In spite of the fact that journalism is no longer a profession but an industry with the emphasis on sales, newspapers are still the mirror of the society, he said. ''I can understand the pressures under which journalists work today, but at the end of the day, they must ask themselves what they have done for the poor and the downtrodden. In spite of the restrictions, they should put in a word or two for the poor, and expose corrupt deeds whenever the opportunity presents itself,'' Mr Nayyar said.

The domination of the market forces on journalistic talent will soon pass and the days of glory for scribes will return, he added.

UNI