The NBA has said it reprehensible any attempt to target journalists. (Representative)
The NBA is deeply troubled by the turn of events in Mumbai as the clash between Republic TV and the Mumbai police threatens the credibility and respect of two major institutions, the media and the police. We are deeply concerned that the journalists working in the newsroom have become the victims of this unfortunate conflict.
We do not approve of the type of journalism that is practiced by Republic TV. And while Republic TV is not a member of the NBA and does not subscribe to our Code, we strongly oppose any lawsuits against its editorial staff. We defend 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 heart of our reporting.
The NBA condemns any attempt to target journalists doing their job in the newsroom, but on the other hand we do not approve of any vengeful reporting by the media. We condemn the reporting of baseless stories that subvert and interfere with the functioning of law enforcement.
We appeal to the Mumbai Police to ensure that no journalist falls victim to this crossfire. We also call on journalists working with Republic TV not to cross Lakshman Rekha as the Bombay High Court has clearly observed.
The NBA reiterates once again that it does not support toxic content and unethical journalism. News broadcasters are regulated by the independent regulator, NBSA, headed by (retired) Judge A.K. Sikri. The NBSA over the years has played an extremely important role as a watchdog in monitoring the content of news channels. He has taken action against well-known national and regional broadcasters by issuing fines, apologies and warnings in several areas, including covering the death of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. We ask that non-member broadcasters be invited to follow the Code of Ethics and guidelines of the ASNB.
The NBA also expresses deep concern over the open FIR recorded by UP police against the media for alleged manipulation of the TRP. The speed with which the case was transferred overnight to CBI raises doubts about intentions. A complaint filed against strangers by a person without locus standi can lead to a witch-hunt against the media, its advertisers and advertising agencies. We sincerely urge the government to immediately withdraw the case referred to CBI.
BARC has a mechanism to deal with such cases. A competent internal body headed by Judge (retired) Mukul Mudgal is capable and empowered to examine cases related to tampering with TRP data. All cases related to the handling of the TRP should be referred to this authority.
