Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said clear policies and a code of conduct are necessary for journalism in view of rapid growth of online and digital media.

“Online media outlets can now be launched very easily. There is a lack of policy in this area — you would surely agree. Therefore, to ensure professional standards and responsibility in journalism, the government is taking steps to quickly formulate policies in this regard,” he said.

The adviser was speaking at a press briefing after a session of Information and Broadcasting Ministry on the final day of the Deputy Commissioners (DC) Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

He said DCs have proposed setting specific standards and a code of conduct for becoming a journalist, so that both the administration and the media can benefit from professionalism while carrying out responsibilities at the field level. 

For this reason, the ministry is working on developing a policy and code of conduct for journalism and will take steps to implement it soon, he said. 

Responding to a question about political influence over DCs, Zahed said the issue did not come up in discussions; rather, the focus was on the expansion of digital media and the realities surrounding it.

Regarding government transparency and information disclosure, the adviser said the current government is democratically elected and aims to maintain democratic continuity in the future. 

Therefore, he believes the government will move away from the tendency to conceal information, he mentioned.

 Zahed assured that tendency to hide information seen in the past will not be allowed by this government.

He said the long-inactive Information Commission will be reconstituted soon and will be allowed to operate independently, so that complaints and issues related to access to information can be addressed effectively.

The adviser also outlined the government’s plans to tackle rumors and misinformation. 

He said a project has already been undertaken to strengthen fact-checking activities. Under this project, information infrastructure at the district level will be integrated, he added.

He added that training will be provided to align government information service structures at the district level with the new digital reality. 

According to him, existing information service structures are trying to adapt, but where there are gaps, capacity will be enhanced through skill development.

Zahed expressed hope that coordinated efforts among the administration, media, and relevant stakeholders will ensure a more open and effective flow of information in the country.