New Delhi: The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) has strongly condemned, expressing its concerns and shock on the recent attempt to attack Arnab Goswami, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Republic TV, and his wife, by a section a particular political party in Mumbai, while they were driving back home from work.
#BREAKING | Arnab's message after being physically attacked by Congress goons #SoniaGoonsAttackArnab https://t.co/RZHKU3fdmK pic.twitter.com/SdAvoerhIH
— Republic (@republic) April 22, 2020
NBF in it’s strongly-worded statement noted that it is deplorable to know that the alleged political party, which claims to stand for Freedom of Expression, has resorted to personal attacks, including filing of FIRs in various states across the country, against Arnab Goswami, for performing his professional duty as a journalist.
Journalists are professionals and reflect the views and sentiments of the larger people. Instead of engaging in a democratic debate, such incidents of harassment and attempt to physically attack the individual is shocking and highly condemnable.
“The News Broadcasters Federation strongly condemns the attempt to attack Arnab, for his performing his professional duty,“ said R. Jai Krishna, Secretary-General, News Broadcasters Federation.
“The attack on Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of Republic TV, will not be taken lightly. We stand by Arnab and will do whatever required in this fight. Attack on media will not be tolerated,” said Sanjive Narain, Founder, Prag News (Assam)
“Sorry to know about this (incident). The Government should provide sufficient personal security,” to prevent any future instances, said Anand Sankeshwar, Managing Director of Digvijay News (Karnataka).
“It is very shocking,” said Sreekantan Nair, Managing Director, Twentyfour News. “We strongly protest against the incident, and request the police to take immediate action to arrest the culprits.”
“We at ITV network condemn this cowardly act of violence against Arnab goswami and his family in today’s india this is unacceptable and must be condemned by all,” said Kartikeya Sharma, Promoter, ITV Network.
“It’s disgrace, shame and utterly rubbish for someone to attack on Arnab and his wife. Such a cowardly act is deeply condemnable and shouldn’t be taken so easily. This is the price a journalist gets for raising Relevant questions it’s a shame. NBF and its members wouldn’t hesitate to go on a protest if the perpetrators are not bought to light soon,” said Shankar Bala, CEO, Fourth Dimension.
News Broadcasters Federation, India’s largest industry association representing the combined interests of over 300 TV news channels, discharging the essential service of taking news and information to the doorsteps of 100 crore Indians, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Gandhi Nagar to Guwahati. NBF counts Dighvijay, DY365 News, First India Rajasthan, Gulistan News, IBC24, India News, JK 24X7, Living India News, MH One News, News Live, News Nation, NewsX, North East Live, Odisha TV, Prag News, PuthiyaThalaimurai TV, Republic Bharat, Republic TV, S Newz, TV5, and Twenty Four News among its founding members.