Report Grievance
Whistle-blower Policy
1.1 Every broadcaster registered with NBF has to adhere to:
(a) Programme Code and Advertising Code as enunciated in the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994;
(b) Norms of journalistic conduct prescribed by Press Council of India; and
(c) Guiding Principles for Broadcasters issued by NBF-PNBSA.
1.2 Further, every broadcaster has to establish a grievance or complaint redressal mechanism and appoint an officer (Grievance Officer) to deal with the complaints received by such Broadcaster.
1.3 At the time of making complaints, the complainant needs to furnish the following details:
(a) full name; (b) age; (c) complete mobile and landline numbers; (d) email identity; and (e) date and time of the broadcast which is the subject matter of the complaint and grievance in reasonable detail.
1.4 The complaint may be sent to the Broadcaster by post or courier or by electronic mail. The details of the grievance officers and the email ID of each Broadcaster who is a member of the NBF are available at [PL Comment: NBF to provide a link with the details populated.]
2. Composition of the Authority
2.1 The Authority consists of a Chairperson and four other members.
2.2 The other four members comprise of two eminent persons from civil society and two members from the editorial team of broadcasters.
3. Initiation of complaints
3.1 Any person aggrieved by the contents of any broadcast that is not in conformity with the Programme Code or the Advertising Code as enunciated in the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 may make a complaint to the concerned broadcaster. A complaint must be in writing either in English or Hindi or in the language of the broadcast within 30 days from the date of the first broadcast.
3.2 NBF-PNBSA may also initiate suo moto proceedings against any alleged violation by a broadcaster of the NBF Regulations or the NBF Guiding Principles.
4. Complaints/ Appeals before NBF-PNBSA
4.1 Any complainant who is not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint to the Grievance Officer of the Broadcaster, may file an appeal with the NBF Secretariat within 15 (fifteen) days from the date of receipt of the response received from the Grievance Officer from the Broadcaster. The appeal shall include the reason for the appeal and grounds in reasonable detail with supporting documents.
4.2 In certain scenarios, the NBF-PNBSA may allow for an appeal to be filed after 15 (fifteen) days if NBF-PNBSA is satisfied that the delay in filing the appeal within the prescribed period has been caused for reasons beyond the control of the Complainant and/or for other sufficient cause.
4.3 NBF-PNBSA will ordinarily dispose of the appeal within 60 days of receipt of appeal and if it rules against the Broadcaster, it shall convey its decision by imposing directions/ orders in accordance with section 8 of the Regulations and inform the Complainant of such decision within a further period of 15 days.
4.4 NBF-PNBSA may adopt a summary procedure for adjudication of appeal and conduct hearing of the parties, if the Chairperson deems it necessary to follow a summary procedure.
4.5 For hearings, notice of time, date and place of hearing (if any) shall be served upon the complainant as well as on the broadcaster and shall be sent to them by any mode of recorded delivery.
4.6 During the course of the proceedings, NBF-PNBSA shall:
(a) pass a reasoned order in writing; and
(b) observe the rules of natural justice, as far as is practicable during appellate proceedings including but not limited to affording a due and reasonable opportunity of hearing to the rival parties; and
(c) have the power to impose costs of proceedings on either the Broadcaster or the Complainant, as it may deem fit.
5 Powers of NBF-PNBSA
5.1 The Authority while disposing a complaint or an appeal referred to it may issue the following guidance or advisories:
(a) advisory, warning, censure, admonish or reprimand; or
(b) an apology to be telecast by the Broadcaster; or
(c) include a warning card or a disclaimer; or
(d) in case of any content where it is satisfied that there is a need for taking action to delete or modify content, refer it to the Central Government for the consideration of the oversight mechanism as enumerated in Rule 19 of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021.
5.2 If the Broadcaster fails/ refuses to comply with a guidance or advisories issued in accordance with Section 8.1(i), (ii) or (iii) and has seriously, deliberately, or recklessly violated these Regulations or the Guiding Principles, then a higher fine as provided under section 8.5 may be imposed by the Authority.
5.3 NBF-PNBSA may make observations or pass orders/ directions against any person/ institution/ authority who interferes/ impinges/ curtails media liberty derived from ‘Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression’ as enshrined in Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.
5.4 NBF-PNBSA may make such observations either suo-moto or on the complaint of a member or during the hearing of an appeal. Such observations/ orders/ directions may then be communicated by the Authority to the person in violation, Inter-Departmental Committee constituted under Rule 20 of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021 and to the media in general.
Whistle-blower Policy
1. Objective: The primary objective of this Whistle-blower Policy is to promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability within News Broadcasters Federation. By encouraging the reporting of any unethical, illegal, or questionable activities, we aim to maintain a workplace that upholds the highest standards of conduct.
2. Scope: This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and stakeholders associated with NBF , regardless of their position or level within the organization.
3. Reporting Mechanism: Reports can be submitted in writing or through NBFs designated reporting channel/platform]. A designated Whistleblower Officer is responsible for receiving and documenting all reports.
4. Confidentiality: All reports will be treated with the strictest confidentiality possible. Only those individuals directly involved in the investigation process will have access to the information provided. Anonymous reports will also be accepted, although providing contact information is encouraged for clarification or additional details.
5. Protection from Retaliation: News Broadcasters Federation is committed to protecting whistleblowers from any form of retaliation. Any employee found to engage in retaliatory actions against a whistleblower will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
6. Investigation Process: Upon receipt of a report, an impartial and thorough investigation will be conducted. The investigation team will include individuals with appropriate expertise and independence to ensure fairness. The whistleblower will be kept informed of the investigation’s progress and its outcome, to the extent allowed by law.
7. False Reports: Any individual found to be making a false report with malicious intent will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Making a false report not only damages the reputation of the accused but also undermines the effectiveness of the whistleblower program.
8. Non-Retaliation Statement: No adverse action will be taken against any individual who, in good faith, reports a violation or cooperates in an investigation. Retaliatory actions will not be tolerated, and any employee engaging in such behavior will be subject to disciplinary measures.
9. Review and Update: This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Any changes to the policy will be communicated to all employees, contractors, and stakeholders.
10. Acknowledgment: All employees, contractors, and stakeholders are required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of this Whistleblower Policy. Failure to comply with the policy may result in disciplinary action.
Online Redressal
Professional News Broadcasting Standards Organisation (Self-regulatory) Grievance Management Process
