Haryana Govt to Regulate YouTube Journalism

In a bold move that could transform the digital media ecosystem, Haryana is preparing to introduce strict regulations for social media journalists, particularly YouTubers. Pundari MLA Satpal Jambha has emerged as a key architect of these proposed guidelines, highlighting the critical need for professional standards in digital reporting. 

Educational Qualifications: The Core Proposal

Jambha's primary recommendation centers on establishing minimum educational requirements for digital journalists. He advocates for a master's degree as the baseline qualification, arguing that educated professionals will elevate the quality of content and reduce misinformation. During legislative discussions, Jambha revealed shocking insights about current digital journalists, noting that many are school dropouts with no formal journalism training.

Addressing Blackmail and Credibility Concerns

The proposed guidelines aim to tackle a significant challenge in digital media: potential blackmail and unverified reporting. Jambha emphasized that some social media journalists exploit their platforms to intimidate individuals and spread unsubstantiated information. By introducing strict regulatory frameworks, the government hopes to create a more accountable and professional digital journalism environment. 

Consultation and Future Steps

Demonstrating a comprehensive approach, Jambha is consulting legal experts and senior journalists to draft these guidelines. He believes this collaborative process will ensure a balanced and effective regulatory mechanism. The proposed regulations represent a pioneering effort to professionalize digital media reporting in India.