New Delhi: News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) on Thursday slammed the opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc for its decision to boycott shows of 14 television anchors on several platforms.
Hitting out at I.N.D.I.A, NBDA said that the decision “imperils press freedom” and “goes against the ethos of democracy.” It further stated that the decision sets a dangerous precedent.
The association urged the opposition alliance to withdraw the decision, saying it was “anguished and concerned” by the decision taken by the I.N.D.I.A Media Committee. “The decision taken by the I.N.D.I.A. Media Committee sets a dangerous precedent. The ban on representatives of the opposition alliance from participating in TV news shows anchored by some of India’s top TV news personalities goes against the ethos of democracy.”
“It betokens intolerance and imperils press freedom. The opposition alliance claims to be the champion of pluralism and a free press, but its decision betrays callous disregard for democracy’s most fundamental tenet – the inalienable right to openly express ideas and opinions,” the association of different current affairs and news television broadcasters said.
In a statement, NBDA said that the boycott of certain journalists/anchors takes the nation back to the Emergency era, when the press was gagged, and independent opinions and voices were crushed.
Urging the opposition alliance to withdraw its decision to boycott certain journalists and anchors, the association said that “such a decision would amount to browbeating journalists and stifling freedom of speech and expression of the media.”
Earlier in the day, the opposition alliance announced that it will boycott shows of 14 television anchors. “Pursuant to the decision taken by INDIA Coordination Committee in its meeting on September 13, 2023, the INDIA parties will not send their representatives on the shows and events of the following anchors,” a statement from the media committee of the opposition bloc said while listing the names of such journalists.
Soon after the announcement, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said that some channels have put up a “nafrat ka bazaar” (market for hatred) for the last nine years.
The I.N.D.I.A parties have decided not to legitimise this “hate-filled narrative” which is corroding our society, he stated.