Delhi: MIB has revoked the ban on Asianet News and MediaOne based on the submission from both the channels.
Earlier Asianet News TV and Media One TV channels are slapped with a ban on telecasting for a period of 48 hours by MIB starting 19:30:00 hours on 06th March, 2O2O to 19:30:00 hours on 8th March 2O2O on charges of misreporting the North East Delhi violence.
MIB in its recent announcement revealed that the ban on both the channels have been lifted and the channels are set to back in action since this morning. After revoking the ban I&B Minister Prakash Jhavdekhar said that the ruling govt respects Media Freedom and the gesture is a reflection of the same.
Expressing views on the ban, MediaOne has strongly condemned the act of MIB stating that ” The Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s ban on MediaOne TV for 48 hours is unfortunate and condemnable. This is a blatant attack against free and fair reporting. The order issued by I & B ministry to suspend the telecast from March 6 19.30 hrs to March 8 19.30 hrs, is for criticizing RSS and Delhi Police.
” The order also states that MediaOne has referred hate speeches made by Mr Kapil Mishra, the BJP leader from Delhi, as a reason for igniting violence in Delhi. The ministry order has mentioned on our reporting about not registering FIR against hate speeches, has violated cable TV Act. This is nothing but an order to stop free and fair journalism. MediaOne will fight legally against this unprecedented and undemocratic action imposed by Information and Broadcasting Ministry.” added the statement issued by the channel.
Reacting against the ban, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan compared the situation with an undeclared emergency. He also stated that such a ban on Press reporting is a ‘Dangerous Trend’.