The party’s revised stand, as stated by Mr. Chandrakar last week, is that “it is not harmful to allow the foreign media to come to India.” Last week, he had said that the Congress was opposed to such an entry, as it would pose a serious threat to the cultural heritage of India. Asked what made him change his view in two days’ time, Chandrakar remarked:”48 hours is time enough to change a decision.”
His Earlier statement appears to have been his personal view on the matter. Chandrakar, who is also a member of the Press Council, has been consistent in his view that foreign organizations should not be allowed to enter into Indian media industry, Open claims this would have an adverse impact The Congress* volte-face on the question of entry of foreign punt media has raised an outery in the circles of Opposition parties.
‘The foreign media would print slanted news and views which would affect the people’s mind, Mr. Reddy said that newspapers could not be equated with other industries’ products as they influenced the minds of the masses, He called upon the journalists and other concerned people to fight against the Government’s move.
The foreign media would have incalculable and insalubrious” impact on politicians, bureaucrats and other professionals, Dr.Reddy Said even a country like the US did not permit the foreign publications 10 be printed by anybody who was not a citizen of that country.
Mr. Rabi Ray of the Janata Dal (G) said India would be vulnerable to Western value system if foreign media were allowed entry into the country. The news and views would be distorted and the foreign media would control the influence Mr, Ray said.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 9, 1994
