The Delhi High Court has issued an order directing around 15 multi-system operators to restore the transmission of Saakshi TV, TV9 Telugu, 10TV, NTV news channel, and other channels that were taken off-air on June 6, 2024, in Andhra Pradesh.
The News Broadcasters Federation has commended the decision stating that the order addresses the unilateral and illegal blackout of news channels in Andhra Pradesh. This decision upholds the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and expression, which are essential cornerstones of a democratic society.
The News Broadcasters Federation strongly supports this decision and has urged all relevant authorities to promptly adhere to the court’s directive. It believes that this ruling will set a precedent for upholding press freedom and protect the rights of journalists across India.
NBF further commended the Delhi High Court for its commitment to safeguarding constitutional rights and promoting a free and independent media.
Earlier, the News Broadcasters and Digital Authority (NBDA) released a statement saying that it is surprised to note that the carriage of signals of Sakshi TV, a member of NBDA and three other news broadcasters – TV9, NTV and 10TV, have been blocked by the Cable TV Operators Association of Andhra Pradesh and no reasons have been attributed for blocking the signals of these channels which is contrary to the TRAI regulations.
“It is alleged that the action taken against the channels is in connection with their reporting criticising the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which defeated the incumbent Yuvajana Sramika Rythu (YSR) Congress Party in state-level elections,” NBDA stated.
It also mentioned that the step taken by a few cable operators is not in the interest of broadcasters, the media nor the public and sets a dangerous precedent. Political parties must recognise that broadcasters have the freedom to decide what to telecast and such editorial freedom cannot be subject to any interference. Such interference would lead to media losing its independence and it would result in the violation of Article 19(1)(a), and Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India. Boycott of channels is not the way forward and alludes to a threat to the freedom of the press.
NBDA also sought the intervention of the Government of Andhra Pradesh to urge the cable operators to review its stand and avoid a situation of confrontation which is not in the interest of the stakeholders nor in public interest.
