The Centre is working to develop a detailed, 'multilayered' standard operating protocol (SOP) for all government departments to respond to a range of media-related concerns -- from ' fake news' and misinformation to 'motivated criticism', 'misleading, distorted and inaccurate facts' besides 'opinionated news' and miscommunication, ET has gathered.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) is learnt to have been entrusted with formulating the SOPs.
'Fake news' to 'no response'
The ministry has also been tasked with preparing guidelines on a response strategy for Central ministries to deal with 'adverse' events and incidents. Further, the ministry is to draft guidelines in cases where 'no response' as strategy to media news is preferable, it is gathered.
The decision to draw up the above guidelines follows high-level meetings held last month with several union secretaries on an 'effective communication plan and strategies' for dissemination of information on government decisions, policies, programmes and schemes and media engagement.
Following the consultations, the union Cabinet Secretary is also learnt to have sent out a missive to all secretaries, detailing the dos and don'ts on information sharing with the media.
Dos and Don'ts
The communication has asked all secretaries to restrict media discussions on government decisions that have already been taken and to desist from sharing details on plans that are still at the proposal stage. Similarly, they have been cautioned against engaging with the media on 'speculative' stories or issues.
All ‘negative’ stories must be responded to strictly in a factual manner and close coordination with the relevant minister’s office must be maintained on official responses. Official response on developing issues should be timely and communicated in the language most convenient/relevant in the setting, top government officials have been advised.
A more comprehensive response strategy is to be developed in consultation with MIB.
As an institutional approach, it has been suggested that each ministry designate a Director level official for tracking of newspapers and all other media. Such an official should be able to get in touch with senior officials on issues of interest and be allowed a reasonable tenure in the position.
The Centre is also learnt to have shared some sage advice to the Secretaries on their own conduct with the media. They have been asked to refrain from ‘self aggrandisement’ or taking ‘personal credit’ for governmental decisions. That apart, it has been suggested that they stay off sponsored media events entirely and in case of exceptions, should get the approval of the MIB.
So far, the relevant minister’s approval is considered acceptable.
Requests for sponsorship of media events are also be to be shunned, as per latest suggestions.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) is learnt to have been entrusted with formulating the SOPs.
'Fake news' to 'no response'
The ministry has also been tasked with preparing guidelines on a response strategy for Central ministries to deal with 'adverse' events and incidents. Further, the ministry is to draft guidelines in cases where 'no response' as strategy to media news is preferable, it is gathered.
The decision to draw up the above guidelines follows high-level meetings held last month with several union secretaries on an 'effective communication plan and strategies' for dissemination of information on government decisions, policies, programmes and schemes and media engagement.
Following the consultations, the union Cabinet Secretary is also learnt to have sent out a missive to all secretaries, detailing the dos and don'ts on information sharing with the media.
Dos and Don'ts
The communication has asked all secretaries to restrict media discussions on government decisions that have already been taken and to desist from sharing details on plans that are still at the proposal stage. Similarly, they have been cautioned against engaging with the media on 'speculative' stories or issues.
All ‘negative’ stories must be responded to strictly in a factual manner and close coordination with the relevant minister’s office must be maintained on official responses. Official response on developing issues should be timely and communicated in the language most convenient/relevant in the setting, top government officials have been advised.
A more comprehensive response strategy is to be developed in consultation with MIB.
As an institutional approach, it has been suggested that each ministry designate a Director level official for tracking of newspapers and all other media. Such an official should be able to get in touch with senior officials on issues of interest and be allowed a reasonable tenure in the position.
The Centre is also learnt to have shared some sage advice to the Secretaries on their own conduct with the media. They have been asked to refrain from ‘self aggrandisement’ or taking ‘personal credit’ for governmental decisions. That apart, it has been suggested that they stay off sponsored media events entirely and in case of exceptions, should get the approval of the MIB.
So far, the relevant minister’s approval is considered acceptable.
Requests for sponsorship of media events are also be to be shunned, as per latest suggestions.
