Click to play videoNew Delhi: There's trouble in the airwaves and Red FM - the radio station under fire for broadcasting allegedly derogatory remarks against Gurkhas and the newly-crowned Indian Idol Prashant Tamang - is at the centre of it.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has issued a showcause notice to the station for inciting protests and clashes in Siliguri on Friday.
The state machinery's efforts and an appeal for peace from Tamang have diffused tension for now. But the question remains who should take responsibility?
“It's the responsibility of the Radio Jockey that are derogatory or that can inflame a community,” says RJ with Radio One 94.3, Prince.
The I&B Ministry says Red FM seems to have violated the All India Radio programme code.
The ministry takes action against radio stations when a complaint is bought to its notice. But a regulatory code of any sort still doesn't exist. Some say self-regulation is the answer.
“The answer is self-regulation,” says media commentator, Akhila Shivdas.
Red FM has already issued an apology, saying: Our shows and RJ's use humour and satire in their presentation. We have not intentionally caused hurt to the sentiments of any person or any particular community, caste or creed. In the event any offence has been caused, we tender our apology for the same.
There are over 250 radio stations in the country today, making it one of the most powerful tools of mass communication.
One wrong word or a careless remark can have serious consequences. It’s time someone recognised the need to pay attention.
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