Government today said, it has no plans to curb the freedom of press but wants the self-regulatory system for electronic media to work with greater sensitivity to avoid media trials and vilification of individuals.

Making this clear, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said self-regulation is the advanced way of dealing with situations and an ideal solution to have in place.

When asked whether there are any moves afoot to put curbs on media freedom as apprehended, Mrs. Soni told a news agency, her directions are — strengthen and encourage self-regulation with greater sensitivity keeping in mind the viewers.

She said that even though self-regulatory mechanism is already in place, there had been issues where people felt that there were media trials and vilification of individuals through media, sometimes damaging reputation beyond repair.

Referring to the Anna Hazare campaign, she said that in its coverage, it was generally perceived that reporters became participants.

Asked if self-regulatory mechanism should be still be given chance, Soni said, she would like self-regulatory system for electronic media to work with greater sensitivity.