Chennai: Puthiya Thalaimurai, an independent Tamil news channel, experienced a major broadcast disruption on the Tamil Nadu government-controlled Arasu Cable TV network on May 28, 2026, leading to widespread concern among viewers, journalists, civil society groups and opposition parties.
Beginning around 2 PM on May 28, viewers and cable operators in Chennai and several parts of Tamil Nadu reported difficulty accessing Puthiya Thalaimurai. Television and multimedia screens carrying the channel turned grainy, with poor reception and audio quality. Simultaneously, complaints began pouring into the headquarters of the channel stating that Puthiya Thalaimurai, which had earlier been available at the 44th position on the Arasu Cable network, had been shifted to the 61st position.
The development triggered criticism from civil society members, journalist associations and opposition parties, who questioned whether the move amounted to an attempt to suppress an independent news channel known for its objective reporting and editorial independence.
Following the public outcry, the channel was restored to its original 44th position by approximately 9 PM on the same day. The broadcast subsequently began returning gradually and was fully restored by the following day.
Responding to the controversy a day later, Tamil Nadu School Education Minister and Minister for Information and Publicity A Rajmohan denied allegations of any deliberate blackout of Puthiya Thalaimurai on the state-run Arasu Cable network and attributed the disruption to a technical issue.
Addressing reporters in Chennai, Minister Rajmohan stated that the channel had not been taken off air. Responding to questions regarding allegations of a blackout, he said that “nothing of that sort happened.” He acknowledged that in “some places it was pushed back” and added that “technical glitches were immediately investigated and everything has been corrected.”
He further stated, “In Arasu cable TV, the Puthiya Thalaimurai channel was not disabled. Due to a technical issue, it was only pushed back. They fixed it in two hours. Do not approach ordinary matters with a negative mindset.”
The minister also emphasised the role of media in a democracy, stating, “Constructive criticism is necessary for every government. Media is a key pillar of democracy.”
He added that the channel was now fully visible, including in his own office, and assured that any future telecast-related concerns could be brought to his attention directly.
The disruption came a day after Puthiya Thalaimurai aired reports questioning the absence of formal media interactions by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay during his Delhi visit and on other official occasions. The reports highlighted concerns regarding transparency in governance and noted that chief ministers traditionally brief the press following important meetings with prime ministers and other dignitaries in New Delhi.
Opposition party AIADMK condemned the incident, describing it as part of a larger pattern of suppressing dissent. In an official statement on X, the AIADMK accused the ruling dispensation of “DMK-model” authoritarianism, citing a series of actions including cases against social media users, attempts to block opposition accounts, and arrests of critics. The party demanded immediate restoration of the channel to its original position and warned that silencing the media undermines democratic principles.
Journalist bodies, including the Chennai Press Club, and several viewers also raised concerns on social media over whether the disruption represented an attempt to target critical journalism and weaken democratic discourse.
Puthiya Thalaimurai has previously faced similar disruptions under different political regimes and has continued to maintain its editorial position as an independent media platform committed to objective journalism.
“Puthiya Thalaimurai reiterates its commitment to fearless and objective journalism, and continue to uphold the highest standards of independent reporting despite challenges. Puthiya Thalaimurai has always stood firmly for credible, people-centric and objective journalism. Attempts to obstruct or intimidate us, irrespective of where they come from, will not weaken our resolve. We will continue to report with courage, integrity and responsibility, and will never bend or back down from our journalistic principles,” the organisation said.
