NBDSA Cracks Down on TV Channels for Promoting Communal Disharmony
In a significant move to uphold broadcasting standards and ethics, the News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has issued directives to three leading television news channels – News18 India, Times Now Navbharat, and Aaj Tak – mandating the removal of certain programs from their online platforms and YouTube. These actions were taken in response to the airing of content that allegedly promotes hatred and communal discord, with the channels being accused of violating broadcasting ethics.
News18 India was fined and ordered to remove three shows hosted by Aman Chopra and Amish Devgan, which were found to be communalizing the Shraddha Walker case under the guise of “love jihad”. The NBDSA imposed a fine of Rs. 50,000 on the channel. Similarly, Times Now Navbharat and Aaj Tak faced fines of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 75,000 respectively for their shows that were deemed to contribute to religious stereotyping and intolerance. The regulatory body emphasized the need for introspection before using terms like “love jihad” and criticized the channels for departing from journalistic principles of impartiality, objectivity, and sensitivity.
Despite the disappointment expressed by some of the penalized channels, they have agreed to respect and follow the NBDSA’s orders. The authority’s actions underline the critical importance of maintaining secular and harmonious discourse in media broadcasting, and serve as a reminder of the responsibility held by news outlets in shaping public perception and societal values.
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