The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) took disciplinary action against Aaj Tak news channel by levying a fine of ₹75,000. This decision came after Utkarsh Mishra filed a complaint regarding the ‘Black and White’ program broadcasted on June 26, 2023. The issue arose from the program’s handling of comments made by former U.S. President Barack Obama concerning the treatment of minorities in India, which aired during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the United States.
The complaint targeted the show for its failure to adhere to journalistic standards of neutrality and objectivity, particularly in its analysis of Obama’s interview with CNN. Obama, addressing questions on engaging with leaders like Xi Jinping and Modi, who are viewed as “autocratic…illiberal democrats,” highlighted the importance of safeguarding ethnic minorities’ rights in India. He warned of the potential for India to face internal conflicts if these rights were ignored, affecting both Muslim and Hindu communities.
However, the show’s anchor, Sudhir Chaudhary, initiated the broadcast by distorting Obama’s statements, inaccurately associating them with extremist ideologies, including those of Khalistan supporters, separatists, and pro-Pakistan factions within India. This misrepresentation was critiqued by Justice AK Sikri, Chairperson of NBDSA, noting that the broadcast would have been unproblematic had it solely reported or critiqued Obama’s statement. Instead, the anchor introduced an unrelated narrative, connecting Obama’s comments with separatist and extremist organizations unjustly.
NBDSA’s observation highlighted the broadcast’s deviation from the principles of Objectivity and Neutrality by employing terms like “Tukde Tukde Gang,” “Khalistani in Punjab,” and “Pakistani supporters,” which detracted from an objective discussion on Obama’s remarks. The authority found the broadcast in violation of both the Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards and the Specific Guidelines for Anchors, emphasizing the necessity for impartiality and neutrality in news presentation.
Consequently, NBDSA imposed a fine on Aaj Tak, advising the channel to adhere more closely to journalistic standards in future broadcasts. The authority also mandated the editing or removal of the offending broadcast from all platforms, including the channel’s website and YouTube, requiring confirmation of these actions within seven days of their order. This ruling underscores the importance of maintaining objectivity and neutrality in news reporting, especially on controversial issues.