'Breaking news' taboo on adverts

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Media Ministry is concerned over the misuse of the words `Breaking News' in commercial advertisements by certain mercantile organisations.

Some television companies (not the state sector) use the words `Breaking News ' prior to telecasting commercial advertisements which give the viewers a wrong impression that a locally or internationally valued important news item will follow. Such advertisements give undue publicity to sell imported or locally manufactured food items and promote other propaganda.

Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who focused attention on this matter told the Sunday Observer that television companies could not be permitted to use such and internationally renowned phrase for commercial purposes.

He said these two key words could be used by television companies prior to announcing important news items.

The Minister said he would discuss the matter with Ministry Secretary W.B. Ganegala and other officials and take remedial measures.