Opinions from Speakers at the Media Academy Roundtable Conference
Hyderabad: September 23, Prominent editors, senior journalists and YouTube channel operators shared their suggestions during a roundtable meeting held by the Telangana Media Academy on Monday at the Tourism Plaza Hotel, chaired by Chairman K. Srinivas Reddy. The meeting focused on the regulations, procedures, and accreditation processes required for recognizing YouTube news channels.
Around 50 senior journalists, editors, YouTube channel representatives, and founders attended the roundtable. The participants expressed the need for YouTube news channels to have proper registration, similar to the RNI registration for newspapers and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting recognition for TV channels, along with registration under the Company Act. It was also noted that similar rules already apply to news websites. The session saw an extensive discussion on the criteria that YouTube channels need to follow for recognition.
Since these matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Government, it was agreed that YouTube channels must comply with the necessary regulations. All attendees expressed appreciation for the Media Academy’s initiative in organizing such a meeting. Participants also suggested holding more meetings to discuss these issues in detail. Media Academy Chairman Srinivas Reddy stated that this was the first event of its kind, but deeper discussions are still required on the subject.
There was a consensus that only those YouTube platforms broadcasting news, discussions, interviews, and special reports in line with the limits of freedom of expression and the ethics of journalism should be recognized as media outlets. It was argued that subscribers and views should not be the primary criteria, as they are often manipulated or sold like products in a market. Many attendees believed that channels promoting personal agendas, hatred, or malicious content that mislead society should not be considered for recognition.
The discussion highlighted concerns that providing recognition to unchecked YouTube platforms, which operate without legal regulation, could harm the media’s credibility. Attendees suggested that elements like company registration, labor licenses, postal licenses, trademark licenses, GST registration, office maintenance, and staff management should be considered before granting recognition. It was emphasized that YouTubers must adhere to the ethical standards of journalism in their broadcasts.
Prominent attendees included Siasat Managing Editor and MLC Amer Ali Khan, Andhra Jyothi Editor K. Srinivas, Chief Minister’s CPRO Ayodhya Reddy, former Media Academy Chairman Allam Narayana, renowned journalists Dileep Reddy, Katta Shekhar Reddy, Padmaja Shaw, M.A. Majeed, Karunakar Desai, journalist leaders Virahat Ali and Somayya, various YouTube channel representatives, Joint Director of the Information Department Jagan, and Media Academy Secretary Venkateswara Rao.
