DIMAPUR, JAN 17 (MExN): After taking into consideration the need to have an association to address the welfare of media local producers and members belonging to the Electronic Media in Nagaland have formed an umbrella organization, under the aegis of Electronic Media Association of Nagaland (EMAN).
It highlighted the threat, injustice and other forms of harassment local producers have been subjected to. “For long the local media have been working under the shadow of manipulations for a long time. However, with the formation of EMAN, we have a hope that such things would not be repeated in future. The main objective of EMAN is to look into the welfare and check the malpractices meted out to the local producers.” A press release issued by Kivini Shohe, the President of EMAN stated.
The release stated that the only Broadcasting Corporation in the state, DDK, Kohima fell short of professionalism and the quality of programmes being aired fell short of expectations. The few programmes that local producers contribute to the Kendra does not seem to suffice the growing needs of fresh programmes. Moreover, some programmes are even repeated on numerous occasions.
The EMAN urged the concerned authority to look into the selection procedures in various categories (Commissioned, Royalty, In-House etc) and make the allocations in a transparent mode. Moreover budget allocations were not specified and local producers stated that they were left at the mercy of the officials.The EMAN therefore, urged fixation of professional rates for producing programmes for DDK in various categories.
It also called for scrutiny of procedures to filter bogus producers. Over the years, many programmes have gone to such producers due to the ignorance of local producers who remain the main beneficiaries the staement alleged adding that guidelines laid down by Prasar Bharati should be followed. “We also resent the criteria as mentioned for application for Commissioned programme where a producer has been asked to apply for one (1) episode only. This we, consider as totally objectionable and has raised eyebrows among many of our local producers who take this move as degradation of our experience, quality and quantity” it added.
“Over the years, it has come to our notice that the head of department, in the form of Station Director/Director posted to the Kendra have bad records or reputation” it questioned adding that In this regard the EMAN has questioned if, whether, the Kendra is a dumping place or is it that the Kendra has become a post for erring officials posted here as punishment?
For an instance, it cited that the present Director has made quite a reputation by being irresponsible and for misbehaving, which was carried out even in the media thereby bringing bad reputation to the Kendra. The EMAN also termed the quality and content of news as unpleasant and the viewers were displeased over the bulletins. In this regard it was suggested by the EMAN that the concerned officials at Prasar Bharati take immediate action by either posting a permanent News Editor or appoint local talents on Contract basis or whatever is deemed necessary.
“The Kendra lacks sufficient manpower and it resorts to casual employees for normal functioning. However, to our dismay and to the dismay of casual employees, the treatment is indifferent. There are even reports of casuals been harassed by the officials? Moreover payment to the casuals are held up sometimes even for 5-6 months at the stretch. This is very serious considering that most of the casuals rely on the wages offered by the Kendra and with the delay, problems are created. We, therefore, urge you to kindly entrust the DDK officials to make the payment for casuals on time,” the newly formed Association maintained.
