Television channel Media One on Friday responded to an order from the Centre that banned it for 48 hours for its coverage of the violence i...
Television channel Media One on Friday responded to an order from the Centre that banned it for 48 hours for its coverage of the violence in parts of Delhi last week. The Centre on Friday banned Asianet News and Media One for showing content on February 25 that “highlighted the attack on places of worship and siding towards a particular community”.
A statement from Media One said they would fight the Centre’s “unfortunate and condemnable” decision legally. “This is a blatant attack against free and fair reporting,” it said. “The order also states that MediaOne has referred to hate speeches made by Mr Kapil Mishra, the BJP leader in Delhi, as a reason for igniting violence in Delhi.” It added that the government’s move was “nothing but an order to stop free and fair journalism.”
Media One Editor-in-Chief CL Thomas said such a ban has never been imposed in the history of India, The Indian Express reported. “During the Emergency period, there were restrictions on the media,” he said. “Now the country is not going through Emergency. The decision to bar TV channels is a warning to all media houses in the country that they should not criticise the government.”
Statement issued by MediaOne TV reacting to 48 hour ban imposed...
