He observes that the tradition in India of a development- oriented government broadcaster is unique among democratic countries and has affected the public role. Comparing ethics of journalism to media law, Prof. Price cites the instances of the proposed Broadcast Bill in India and the impact of national emergency situation on the press.
Media law is about the relationship between the government and the media industry.
Ethics on the other hand, deals with journalistic standards. Prof. Price noted that in the U.S. and throughout the world, there is frequently informal dialogue between the media and the government on broadcast standards. But the U.S. has no laws like the Official Secrets Act or restrictions on writing about scandals involving public officials. While a private person can sue the media for defamation, we want the hurdle to be very high for suits by public officials, he emphasized. He also said that the Indian vernacular press was increasingly forceful.