On Thursday; the News Broadcasting Standards (Disputes Redressal) Authority, was formally launched by private news broadcasters’ association-News Broadcasters Association (NBA), which marked their first step towards self-regulation.

This authority will function as an independent regulator and if in case the content being aired by its member broadcasters is not according to its code of conduct and broadcasting standards, then it will deal with the complaints against the broadcasters. The authority is being chaired by former Chief Justice of India, JS Verma. 

The Authority will consist of former Nasscom president Kiran Karnik, economist Nitin Desai, sociologist Deepankar Gupta and historian Ramachandra Guha as its ‘eminent’ members. 

It will also have a team of four editors that would include Times Now editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami, India TV MD Vinod Kapri, Zee News group editor BV Rao and Star News MD Milind Khandekar.  

The power to suggest revocation or cancellation of a member broadcaster’s license to the concerned Govt. authorities is in the hands of the NBA dispute redressal cell. Other than this, it will also make an effort to complete its enquiry within three months of receipt of a complaint.