New Delhi: News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has expressed its grave concern over the growing tendency among people belonging to a certain section of society resorting to abuses and threats against anchors and reporters working in news channels.
The trade body representing 27 News Broadcasters had stated that the Anchors and reporters working in News channels are being specifically targeted through social media platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok and Twitter.
A statement issued by Rajat Sharma, the President of the NBA stated that this particular trend has been noticed after electronic media recently exposed the role of Tablighi Jamaat in the spread of Coronavirus, resulting in a nationwide spurt in a number of positive cases and subsequent deaths.
There are videos circulating on social media in which some religious preachers are naming some TV news anchors and threatening attacks on the reporters of those channels.
NBA strongly deplores this pernicious trend in a section of society and appeals to the government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate preventive action against such anti-social elements.
NBA calls upon religious fundamentalists to desist from issuing open threats and making insinuations against news channels. Such activities are violative of the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression, as enshrined in our Constitution.
News channels are available to all sections of society including the fundamentalists. NBA would like these leaders to come forward and clear their stand on the role of Tablighi Jamaat in spreading the Coronavirus.
Expressed his satisfaction over the role of electronic media Rajat Sharma stated that the electronic media has done exemplary work in reporting Coronavirus pandemic in India during the current lockdown and the overall tenor of reporting has been fair, accurate and balanced. All sections of society are given fair representation on TV debates on the Coronavirus pandemic.
