India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI, MARCH 06— The Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry of the central government on Friday directed two Malayalam TV channels – Media One and Asianet – to go off air for 48 hours starting from 7:30 PM on March 6 for their “biased” coverage of the northeast Delhi violence last month.
In its order dated March 06 against Media One, the ministry said that the channel “seems to be critical towards Delhi Police and RSS.”
“It appeared that telecast of reports on North-East Delhi violence had been shown in a manner which highlighted the attack on places of worship and siding towards a particular community. Channel’s reporting on Delhi violence seems to be biased as it is deliberately focusing on the vandalism of CAA supporters. It also questions RSS and alleges Delhi Police inaction. Channel seems to be critical towards Delhi Police and RSS,” reads the I&B Ministry notice for Media One.
The Ministry also charged both Media One and Asianet for “highlighting attack on places of worship” and “siding towards a particular community.”
Many people, including journalists and politicians, have strongly criticized the central government’s gag order for the TV channels.
Vinod Kapri, former Group Editor TV9 Bharatvarsh and former Editor of Zee News, Start News and India TV, tweeted: “भारत सरकार ने #MediaOne को क्यों बैन किया ? देखें सरकारी आदेश : “ मीडिया वन ने RSS पर सवाल उठाए और पुलिस पर लापरवाही का आरोप लगाया।ऐसा लगा कि चैनल RSS और दिल्ली पुलिस की आलोचना कर रहा था।” ये लोकतंत्र है ? ये इमरजेंसी से भी ख़तरनाक”
Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP, Shashi Tharoor said: “How on earth can Malayalam channels inflame communal passions in Delhi? Whereas the truly vicious propaganda channels like Ré-pubic & TimesCow continue their brazen distortions w/impunity. @asianetnewstv & @MediaOneTVLive are fine independent media. #LiftTheBan now.”
Arvind Gunasekar, a journalist with NDTV, said: “No action against those who gave “goli maaro” slogans but two Malayalam news channels, Asianet and Media One banned for 48 hours for covering #DelhiRiots.”
Senior journalist of India Today TV channel Rajdeep Sardesai asked: “Breaking now: Ministry of I and B bans Asianet and Media 1, both Malyalam channels for 48 hours, for their reporting on Delhi riots. Any action against govt mouthpiece channels?”
He further said: “Decisions on which channel to ban/not ban/censor should never be left to ministries/bureaucrats. Must be done by an independent body of professionals like OFCOM in UK and based on transparent procedures. Enough of the nanny state in our lives. #AsianetBan”
Ban on Asianet, Media One Affront on Democratic Rights of Media: Politicians
Politicians have also denounced the government move.
Former Chief Minister of Kerala and senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy said: “The move to suppress the freedom of press is worrying and condemnable. The fourth estate is the pillar of democracy. Banning Malayalam news channels, Asianet and Media One is an affront on the democratic rights of media. I strongly condemn this.”
Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said: “दंगों की न्यायिक जाँच को भाजपा सरकार तैयार नही JPC नही बनायेगी फ़ास्ट ट्रैक कोर्ट का गठन नही सदन में चर्चा नही जो TV चैनल सच दिखायेगा वो बैन जो जज न्याय करेगा तो उनका ट्रान्सफ़र कर दिया जायेगा। भाजपा की हितलरशाही”
Blatant Attack against Free and Fair Reporting: Media One
The management of Media One TV channel has condemned the ban order.
“The Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s ban on MediaOne TV for 48 hours is unfortunate and condemnable. This is a blatant attack against free and fair reporting,” said CL Thomas, Editor In Chief of MediaOne TV.
“The order issued by I&B Ministry to suspend the telecast from March 6, 19:30 to March 8 19:30 is for criticizing RSS and Delhi Police. The order also states that MediaOne has referred hate speeches made by Mr Kapil Mishra, the BJP leader, as a reason for igniting violence in Delhi. The ministry order has mentioned on our reporting about not registering FIR against hate speeches, has violated Cable TV Act. This is nothing but an order to stop free and fair journalist,” said Thomas.
The channel has said it will fight the ban in the court.
