One-sided edit

IN Media Watch Briefs | 19/01/2015

When papers take sides on important issues in their edits, it’s hard to say if the views are genuine or if the publication is simply pandering to ideology. The Pioneer, in its Jan. 19th edit, on the resignation of CBFC chief Leela Samson along with 13 other CNBC members over the MSG row, called Samson “irresponsible,” saying she was “perfectly at ease” while the Congress was in power. The same day Hindu and TOI had more balanced edits questioning also, among others, BJP’s “closeness to the Ram Rahim sect” and “control of film censorship by a government ministry” respectively.

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Leela Samson MSG Censor Board row The Pioneer

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Amazon resisting voluntary censorship

The new term for self censorship is voluntary censorship, as proposed by companies like Netflix and Hotstar. ET reports that streaming video service Amazon Prime is opposing a move by its peers to adopt a voluntary censorship code in anticipation of the Indian government coming up with its own rules. Amazon is resisting because it fears that it may alienate paying subscribers.

Let the games begin

Clearly, the run to the 2019 elections is on. A journalist received a call from someone saying they were from Aajtak channel and were conducting a survey, asking whom she was going to vote for in 2019. On being told that her vote was secret, the caller assumed she wasn't going to vote for 'Modiji'. The caller, a woman, also didn't identify herself. A month or two earlier the same journalist received a call, this time from a man, asking if she was going to vote for the BSP.