COVID-19: MIB issues directive to ensure operational continuity of Print, Electronic media

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has laid out steps to ensure the operational continuity of Print and Electronic media during the COVID-19 outbreak. The government has reiterated the need for timely dissemination of authentic information, to create awareness among people and curb the spread of fake and false information.

In this regard, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a directive to all States and Union Territories to facilitate the operational convenience of printing presses and distribution infrastructure of newspapers and magazines, all TV channels and supporting services, like teleports and DSNGs, DHT/HITS operations connected equipment, facilities, etc, including maintenance, FM/CRS networks, networks of MSOs and cable operators, and new agencies.

The government has also requested that the following will be kept in view in case any restrictions are being contemplated to be imposed for containment of COVID-19:

• All operators of such facilities/intermediaries in the chain be permitted to remain operational
• Facilitating smooth supply and distribution chain be permitted to remain operational
• The facilities should be permitted to be manned by the staff of the service providers
• The movement of the accredited staff of service providers be permitted
• The movements of vehicles carrying media persons, DSNGs and others including provisioning of fuel, wherever required may kindly be facilitated
• Availability of uninterrupted electric supply and other logistics as requested by facilities be provided

The concerned service providers are being advised to coordinate with the local authorities in case they face any problems in providing uninterrupted service.