The Andhra Pradesh government is open to considering a proposal for the establishment of a media commission, Minister Kondapalli Srinivas indicated. The minister, who holds portfolios including Information and Public Relations, stated that the government would take note of the suggestions put forth by journalist associations regarding such a commission.
The proposal for a media commission, aimed at addressing various concerns of journalists, has been a key demand from media organizations in the state. These associations have been advocating for structured mechanisms to support journalists, including welfare measures, accreditation, and policy recommendations. The government’s willingness to consider this proposal comes amidst ongoing dialogues with journalist unions and representatives who have been actively raising issues pertinent to their profession.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that recent discussions with various journalist bodies, including the A.P. Working Journalists Federation (APWJF) and the A.P. Broadcast Journalists Association (APBJA), highlighted several demands. These included the allocation of house sites, the implementation of pension facilities, and the formation of a governing council for the Media Academy. The establishment of a media commission was a central point in these deliberations, intended to provide a dedicated platform for addressing the evolving needs and challenges faced by the media fraternity.
The Minister of Housing and Information and Public Relations, Kolusu Parthasarathy, had previously assured journalists that the state government was favorable to their issues and was bringing them to the attention of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. During a program in Vijayawada, he had also stated that plans would be formulated to enhance the journalists’ welfare fund and that discussions would be held regarding free medical check-ups for journalists. The government also expressed commitment to continue health insurance schemes for journalists.
In related developments, the Andhra Pradesh government has been actively examining various aspects of media and information dissemination. A Group of Ministers (GoM) was constituted to oversee social media regulations, aiming to curb misinformation and ensure platform accountability. This GoM reviews existing laws, studies international best practices, and recommends measures to hold social media platforms accountable for harmful content. The terms of reference for this committee include identifying gaps in accountability, compliance, and enforcement of social media regulations.
Furthermore, the state has been working on updating its media accreditation rules. The ‘Andhra Pradesh State Media Accreditation Rules, 2025′ were issued, superseding previous rules from 2023. These new rules aim to streamline the process of granting accreditation to media representatives at both state headquarters and district levels, following recommendations from departmental committees and stakeholder consultations. The formation of a Group of Ministers’ Committee to study these proposed accreditation rules also indicates the government’s focus on structuring the media landscape.
The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has also seen discussions on social media regulation. During the budget session, the Home Minister acknowledged the registration of a significant number of cases related to objectionable social media posts, underscoring the government’s stance on taking strict action against hateful and inflammatory content. The government is reportedly considering new legislation to more effectively curb fake campaigns and is also exploring measures to restrict social media access for school students.
The proactive stance on media-related issues, from social media regulation to journalist welfare and accreditation, suggests a broader governmental effort to engage with and structure the media environment within Andhra Pradesh. The consideration of a media commission aligns with these efforts, potentially offering a unified body to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the state’s media sector.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
