On 24th October, 2020, the official statement released by the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) states that the Association “is very disturbed at 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 statement referring to the Republic TV says that the Association is concerned as to how journalists working in the newsroom have become victims of this unfortunate conflict. Ultimately, posing a threat to the credibility and respect of two great institutions i.e., the media and the police. The statement also released that “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.
The News Broadcasters Association reprehends any attempt to target journalists doing their work in newsrooms but, on the other hand, “we disapprove 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.”
Further, the Association also appealed to journalists working with Republic TV not to cross the Lakshman Rekha as clearly observed by the Bombay High Court.
Once again, NBA reiterates that it does not support toxic content and unethical journalism. News broadcasters are governed by the independent regulatory body, NBSA, headed by (Retd.) Justice A.K. Sikri.
And over the years, NBSA has played an extremely important role in being a watchdog by monitoring content of news channels. It has acted against well-known national and regional broadcasters by levelling fines, apologies and warnings in several matters including the coverage of the death of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
Subsequently, the NBA also requested to non-member broadcasters to follow “the Code of Ethics and Guidelines of NBSA”.
NBA Concerned with CBI probe in TRP scam
However, NBA expresses 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.
Further, the press statement released that 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”.
Therefore, the NBA urge the government to immediately withdraw the case referred to CBI. And, BARC has a mechanism to deal with such cases. An internal competent body headed by (Retd.) Justice Mukul Mudgal “is capable and empowered to look into cases related to TRP data tampering. All cases related to TRP manipulation should be transferred to this authority.”
