Sets a dangerous precedent: NBDA slams blocking of news channel signals in Andhra

Reacting to the blocking of carriage of signals of Sakshi TV (a member of NBDA) and three other news broadcasters – TV9, NTV and 10TV – by the Cable TV Operators Association of Andhra Pradesh, the News Broadcasters & Digital Authority (NBDA) has alleged that no reasons have been attributed for blocking the signals of these channels, which is contrary to the TRAI regulations.

As reported earlier, viewers in Andhra Pradesh can no longer access these channels through traditional cable services, leaving direct-to-home (DTH) platforms as the only alternative.

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It is alleged that the action taken against the channels is in connection with their reporting criticizing the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which defeated the incumbent Yuvajana Sramika Rythu (YSR) Congress Party in state-level elections. 

NBDA has stated that “the step taken by a few cable operators is not in the interest of broadcasters, the media nor the public and sets a dangerous precedent”. “Political parties must recognise that broadcasters have the freedom to decide what to telecast and such editorial freedom cannot be subject to any interference. Such interference would lead to the media losing its independence and it would result in the violation of Article 19(1)(a), and Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India. Boycott of channels is not the way forward and alludes to a threat to the freedom of the press,” the Authority maintained.

NBDA warned that such arbitrary action has far reaching consequences on the business of the broadcasters, causing substantial daily losses while also significantly impacting the viewership adversely, thereby affecting the channel/s ratings and consequently the advertisement revenue. This situation also has long-term implications on the relationship between the broadcasters and the advertisers.

NBDA requested the newly elected Government of Andhra Pradesh to strive to uphold the principles of a free and independent press and ensure that all broadcasters can operate without interference. “The public’s right to access diverse sources of news is fundamental to a healthy democracy, and any attempts to silence the media must be swiftly addressed and rectified,” it added.

NBDA sought the intervention of the Government of Andhra Pradesh to urge the cable operators “to review its stand and avoid a situation of confrontation which is neither in the interest of the stakeholders nor in public interest”.