Bengaluru: A demonstration is being staged on Friday by journalists protesting the Karnataka Speaker’s decision to bar private TV channels’ telecast of House proceedings.
On Thursday, scribes of Kannada and National media channels, submitted a memorandum to Speaker Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri in his chamber at the Vidhan Soudha, demanding that he rescind the ban. Kageri insisted that the restriction was imposed as per the rules.
Sources told ANI that the directions had come from the BJP to disallow private media telecasting of House proceedings. They added that, with this step, the people will not be able to know what their elected representatives are doing inside the Assembly.
The journos have called for a protest because the Speaker collected took the memorandum and left without listening to their grievances. It may be recalled that an earlier attempt by the Congress JD-(S) coalition to impose a ban on the telecast of House proceedings was criticized by many including the BJP. Kageri has reportedly stated that this ban is on a trial basis.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has said that he will ask the Speaker to reconsider his decision. The CM emphasized that his government is always committed to freedom of the media. He has assured of a sincere effort in requesting that the decision be reconsidered.
As per the Speaker’s decision, only Doordarshan cameras are allowed inside the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.