Kerala: After court ban, it is cops' turn to keep media away

Kozhikode: The police stations may now become inaccessible to the media after the unofficial ban on it in the courts.  The police departmnt has plans to appoint spokespersons in each jurisdiction  to pass information to the media, replacing the existing system of station house officers and other officials briefing the reporters. DGP Loknath Behera told DC that such a  decision had been taken in principle and that the department would implement it soon. It has been alleged that  incorrect and distorted information was reaching the media.

Circulars will be issued to the officials not to disclose any details other than through the  spokespersons.  “The spokespersons will be appointed to present  news with structured content, which are authentic. While the sources of information are not concrete, there is every chance for the news to get distorted. By the new system, the media, and in turn the readers, will get news that are 100 per cent factually correct,” said Mr Behera.  The sources confirmed that directions will soon be issued to prevent the station house officers and others  from passing on information to the media.