New Delhi: 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. The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has expressed its deep concern over that journalist working in the newsroom, becoming victims of the unfortunate conflict.
Reiterating its disapproval for toxic content and unethical journalism NBA said, “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. We stand for the freedom of speech and expression of the media as enshrined in the Constitution of India. At the same time, we endorse the practice of ethics in journalism and put fair and balanced reporting at the core of what we report upon.”
Reprehending any attempt to target journalists doing their work in newsrooms, on the other hand, it also disapproved of any vengeful reporting by media. “We condemn the reporting of baseless stories which subverts and interferes with the functioning of the law enforcement agencies,” said NBA Press Release.
NBA appealed to the Mumbai police to ensure that no journalists are made victims of this crossfire. We also appeal to journalists working with Republic TV not to cross the Lakshman Rekha as clearly observed by the Bombay High Court.
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 the content of news channels. It has acted against well-known national and regional broadcasters by leveling fines, apologies, and warnings in several matters including the coverage of the death of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. We appeal that nonmember broadcasters be requested to follow the Code of Ethics and Guidelines of NBSA.
NBA also expressed serious concern at the open-ended FIR registered by the UP police against media for alleged TRP manipulation. 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.
NBA also demanded that all cases related to TRP manipulation should be transferred to the internal body of Barc headed by (Retd.) Justice Mukul Mudgal is capable and empowered to look into cases related to TRP data tampering.
