NBF condemns I.N.D.I.A alliance decision to boycott 14 news anchors
It has termed the boycott as an onslaught on free speech through systemic targeting of the media.
The NBF has condemned the directive to boycott 14 select news anchors by the I.N.D.I.A alliance.
“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”, read the statement.
NBA added that the statement that has been ascribed to the “I.N.D.I.A Media Committee” has unilaterally sounded the ushering of an Emergency-like mind-set once again.
“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 out rightly 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”, the statement read.
