NBA Disapproves Type Of Journalism Practiced By Republic TV; Asks Govt To Withdraw CBI Probe In TRP Scam

In its official statement, the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) on Saturday (24th October) urged the Government to withdraw the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged Television Rating Points (TRP) scam, saying it may lead to a witch-hunt against the media.The Statement released by NBA further states that the Association "is very disturbed at the turn of events in Mumbai as the clash between Republic TV and Mumbai police is posing a threat to the credibility and respect of two great institutions, the media and the police." (emphasis supplied)Further, the statement expresses the concern of NBA as to how journalists working in the newsroom have become victims of the unfortunate conflict. "(The conflict) is posing a threat to the credibility and respect of two great institutions, the media and the police," the Statement reads.Referring to Republic TV, the Statement says,"We do not approve of the kind of journalism that is being practiced by Republic TV. And even though Republic TV is not a member of NBA and does not subscribe to our Code, we still take strong exception to cases filed against its editorial staff." (emphasis supplied)News Broadcasters Assocation has firmly stated in its Press Release that it "stands for the freedom of speech and expression of the media as enshrined in the Constitution of India".At the same time, the Statement reads, "we endorse the practice of ethics in journalism and put fair and balanced reporting at the core of what we report upon. NBA reprehends any attempt to target journalists doing their work in newsrooms but, on the other hand, we disapprove of any vengeful reporting by media." (emphasis supplied)Significantly, the Press Release states,"We condemn the reporting of baseless stories which subverts and interferes with the functioning of the law enforcement agencies. We appeal to the Mumbai police to ensure that no journalists are made victims of this crossfire." (emphasis supplied)"Not To Cross Lakshman Rekha"The Statement makes an appeal to the journalists working with Republic TV, "not to cross the Lakshman Rekha as clearly observed by the Bombay High Court."Further, it states,"NBA once again reiterates that it does not support toxic content and unethical journalism. News broadcasters are governed by the independent regulatory body, NBSA, headed by (Retd.) Justice A.K. Sikri. NBSA over the years has played an extremely important role in being a watchdog by monitoring content of news channels." (emphasis supplied)The Statement also says that it has acted against well-known national and regional broadcasters by levelling fines, apologies and warnings in several matters including the coverage of the death of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.Further, the NBA makes an appeal that non-member broadcasters follow the Code of Ethics and Guidelines of NBSANBA's Stand in connection with CBI probe in TRP ScamNBA has expresses serious concern at the open-ended FIR registered by the UP police against media for alleged TRP manipulation.https://twitter.com/livelawindia/status/1318549640934006787It further says,"The speed with which the case was transferred to CBI overnight raises doubts about the intentions. A complaint filed against unknown persons by an individual who has no locus standi may lead to a witch-hunt against the media, its advertisers and advertising agencies. We sincerely urge the government to immediately withdraw the case referred to CBI." (emphasis supplied)Lastly, it states that "BARC has a mechanism to deal with such cases. An internal competent body headed by (Retd.) Justice Mukul Mudgal is capable and empowered to look into cases related to TRP data tampering. All cases related to TRP manipulation should be transferred to this authority."About NBAThe News Broadcasters Association (NBA) represents the private television news & current affairs broadcasters. It is the collective voice of the news & current affairs broadcasters in India .It is an organization funded entirely by its members.The NBA has presently 26 leading news and current affairs broadcasters (comprising 76 news and current affairs channels) as its members. The NBA presents a unified and credible voice before the Government, on matters that affect the growing industry. SSR Media Trial and Republic TV: Bombay High Court's recent observationsIt may be noted that on Friday (23rd October), while hearing SSR media trial case. The Bombay High Court orally remarked that media now has become highly polarized and that journalists were responsible and neutral in the past.Also, on Wednesday (22nd October), the Bombay High Court asked the lawyer of Republic TV if asking the public who should be arrested in a case is part of investigative journlism.A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipankar Dutta and Justice G S Kulkarni posed the query in reference to the hashtag campaign '#ArrestRhea' run by the channel in Twitter following the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput."Is this part of...

NBA Disapproves Type Of Journalism Practiced By Republic TV; Asks Govt To Withdraw CBI Probe In TRP Scam

Sparsh Upadhyay

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