Times Network issues new social media policy 'gagging' employees

Mumbai: Times News Network sent its employees an updated social media policy on Wednesday asking them not to post anything in contradiction to the stand taken by its channels, The News Minute (TNM) reported.

The employees were warned that the document was of internal policy and must be kept confidential. They were also instructed to immediately take down any social media posts if the company asks them to.

TNM says that the inclusion of several points of dos and don'ts in the document makes it nothing less than a 'gag order' on employees.

The policy document starts with speaking about how social media is one of the company's distribution mechanisms and how it has become integral and strategic to its operations. Then it explains the purpose of the policy and how it requires all employees to comply.

The policy orders employees not to share "anti-social and anti-secular" posts and their personal views on political or religious issues. Despite the criticism over Times Now for its slant towards the government, the policy directs employees not to express any political affiliation or political preference or direct support to any political party.

The employees are also asked not to retweet or like any posts put out by competing channels and other media platforms based on print, broadcast or digital.

Violation of this rule equals working in favour of its competitors, the policy stated. But the document left out agencies and foreign media from the competing media category.

One of the rules states that employees need to make it clear that what they share belongs to a third party and is not of their own.

From now on, reporters cannot post exclusive content through their social media handles, but Times Network should have the first opportunity to publish it. Earlier, reporters were permitted to share exclusive content through which they could build a loyal audience.

Further, employees are asked not to engage with trolls, respond or get into a debate with them. They are asked to alert the Social Media Editor in case of bullying or threats on social media. They should update Times Network about all accounts and handles they operated and were ordered to publish no unaired video or audio clip without clearance from Social Media Editor.

In case of failure of complying with the new social media rules and regulations, employees may face disciplinary measures of withdrawal of posts, suspension or termination from service etc., the policy stated.

India Today, Hindustan Times and Republic TV had made such "gagging" social media policy before, TNM says.

The Times Network, India's largest media conglomerate, belongs to Benett, Coleman & Company Limited. The Network's prominent television channels are Times Now, Mirror Now, ET Now, Movies Now, Romedy Now, Zoom and Navbharat Times.