The Jammu and Kashmir government is formulating a new media policy to include emerging platforms such as social media, news web portals and websites for empanelment.
In response to a cut motion by Pulwama MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, the government stated that the policy aims to align with the evolving media landscape while adhering to the standards set by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), Government of India.
Regarding the Srinagar Press Club, the government asserted that it was vacated due to internal disputes among its members. “The club operated from a building allocated by the Estates Department in Press Enclave, Srinagar. However, owing to disagreements among its members, the premises were vacated and are now temporarily occupied by the Jammu and Kashmir Police,” the government stated.
It revealed that the registration of the Kashmir Press Club has been put on hold by the Department of Industries and Commerce, pending clearance from the Criminal Investigation Department. However, the government informed that a new organisation, the Press Club of Kashmir, has been registered by the same department.
The availability of high-speed internet in Jammu and Kashmir has spurred the growth of digital media. Most of these platforms generate news-related content in Urdu, the official language in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, media professionals have raised concerns about the mushrooming of digital platforms by amateurs and individuals lacking requisite qualifications and training has adversely affected the quality of reportage.
It has been noted that several digital platforms are run by individuals who upload non-news-related pages on social media. Some of these platforms have been found spreading disinformation and presenting trivial events as news. It has also been noted that these platforms have been covering events without adhering to the ethics of reporting.
Observers opine that such platforms have harmed the institution of journalism and have proved counterproductive in disseminating news to the masses.
It remains to be seen what criteria the government will follow in encompassing such platforms, as some platforms have amassed thousands of subscribers.
