Restrain TV channels from terror coverage: Delhi Police to NBSA

Upset over the coverage of the attack on an Israeli diplomat's car, Delhi Police have complained to News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) asking it to restrain TV channels from telecasting ''unverified and unconfirmed'' information.

Though no specific news item was mentioned, police claimed that time and again reporters of electronic media have been requested not to broadcast any unverified or unconfirmed report in cases related to terror-related incidents.

"...But this has gone unheeded," Rajan Bhagat, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Delhi Police PRO, said in the letter to NBSA Chairperson Justice J S Verma.
A senior police official said they have already received a reply from the NBSA, saying it has been circulated to all member channels.

The NBSA also asked the city police to bring details of objectionable content to its notice so that the issue can be taken up, the official said.

The letter came against the backdrop of coverage of the February 13 car bomb attack near the Prime Minister's residence.

However, the official did not specify whether the letter was a byproduct of the force's displeasure over the coverage of the incident involving the Israeli diplomat.
In the letter written last week, Bhagat claimed broadcasting of unofficial or unconfirmed reports without verifying from the authorised officer concerned only creates misinformation and confusion in the minds of public.

It also "seriously impedes the process of investigation," the letter said.
"In view of the gravity and sensitivity of the matter, it is humbly requested that appropriate instructions may kindly be issued to the news broadcast channels to exercise restraint and not to broadcast unverified and unconfirmed report in matters relating to terrorism," Bhagat said.