THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In its report, the P S Antony Commission that probed into the honey trap leading to A K Saseendran’s resignation, has come out with major recommendations to restrict the visual media, including a legislation for regulation of private electronic broadcasting media. The Commission gave a clean chit to the NCP leader as it found no evidence to prove the authenticity of the audio clip. Terming the private television channel’s move an attempt to increase rating, the Commission found a criminal conspiracy.
Cancelling the licence of the channel that aired the audio clip and steps to educate the media on ethical journalistic practices are part of the recommendations. In addition, the Commission wants the state government to report its findings to the Union Government. Introducing a new legislation in line with Britain’s Communication Act 2003, mandatory refresher courses on media morality and ethical journalism for journalists and bringing in a code of conduct for interaction between ministers and journalists are s ome o f t h e o the r recommendations.