NBF Condemns Opposition Bloc I.N.D.I.A’s Decision To Boycott 14 News Anchors
The News Broacasters Federation (NBF) on Thursday, September 14 condemned the directive by the Opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A to boycott 14 select news anchors.
“The blanket decision to ban representation of I.N.D.I.A political alliance’s members on the on-air shows of 14 specific news anchors across broadcast networks in the country is an unprecedented attempt to muzzle the voice of the Indian media through intimidation and singling-out tactics. The I.N.D.I.A political alliance’s order is clearly an attempt to censor the media in this great country, which prides on its wealthy history of free speech, thought and expression,” the statement read.
The move betokens intolerance and imperils press freedom: NBF
The NBF’s statement further said that this move “betokens intolerance and imperils press freedom.”
“To make an institutional political decision against handpicked journalists of established stature is a clear and outright onslaught against free speech through systemic targeting of the media. It is a blot on India’s democratic principles and a grave assault on Article 19 of the Indian Constitution for the pre-election political alliance I.N.D.I.A to be outrightly tinkering with the country’s rich history of being a free and vibrant press. The NBF wholly condemns this clear instance of political parties and alliances make targeting of journalists across news networks a pre-election agenda. We strongly urge the “I.N.D.I.A Media Committee” to revoke its draconian order with immediacy,” it added.
