Mumbai: Zee 24 TAAS, a Marathi news channel, has once again proven the power of fearless journalism, launching a high-impact campaign against Wikipedia for hosting derogatory content on the revered Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The channel’s exposé uncovered misleading and offensive information about the legacy of the king, sparking a massive outcry that led to immediate action from authorities.
The controversy came to light amid renewed admiration for Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, especially following the success of the film Chhawa. Zee 24 TAAS uncovered objectionable and inaccurate content on Wikipedia misrepresenting the king’s historical significance. In response, the channel swiftly initiated a powerful campaign, demanding the removal of the offensive material and accountability from the global platform.
The campaign quickly gained traction across Maharashtra, igniting widespread public outrage. Political leaders from various parties rallied behind the movement, lodging formal complaints and calling for immediate corrective measures. The issue was taken seriously by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who personally intervened, ordering an official inquiry and issuing a formal notice to Wikipedia, urging swift action.
Kamlesh Sutar, Officiating Editor of Zee 24 TAAS, lauded the success of the campaign, stating “Zee 24 TAAS has always stood for truth and integrity. The overwhelming public response to our campaign reinforces the deep reverence people hold for Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. It is our duty as a responsible news platform to challenge misinformation and ensure history is represented accurately. This is a victory for journalism and for the people of Maharashtra.”
Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO of Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL), highlighted the impact of the campaign, stating: “Zee Media stands for fearless and impactful journalism. Our campaign against the misleading content on Wikipedia is yet another testament to our continuous dedication to truth and justice. The people’s overwhelming response and the rapid government intervention highlight the crucial role of responsible media in shaping narratives and driving meaningful change.”
This decisive victory for Zee 24 TAAS further reinforces the channel’s commitment to responsible journalism, ensuring that historical figures are honored with the dignity they deserve. By holding global platforms accountable, Zee 24 TAAS continues to set new benchmarks in impactful media responsibility.
Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a robust presence across 21 news channels, reaching over 555 million viewers this year alone through its linear properties.