New Delhi: In a statement released on Friday, March 6 night, hours after a 48-hour ban was imposed on them for their coverage of the Delhi riots, MediaOne Madhyamam Broadcasting Limited, announced that it will “fight legally against this unprecedented and undemocratic action imposed by information and Broadcasting Ministry”.
It can be recalled that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry imposed a 48-hour ban on two Malayalam new channels, Asianet News and MediaOne TV.
The channels were taken off the air at 7.30 PM on March 6 and will remain off the air till March 8 at 7.30 PM. The Ministry cited a violation of two rules under the Cable TV Act for the suspension of the channels.
According to the press statement released by MediaOne TV’s parent company, they plan on moving the court against the order.
The press release reads, “The Information and Broadcasting Ministrie’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 6th, 19.30 hrs to March 8th 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. [sic]”
