BEA concerned on Govt notice to 4 news channels

As is known, the I&B ministry has issued a show-cause notice to four news channels - Aaj Tak, ABP News, NDTV 24x7 and NDTV India. Notice has been issued for these channels’ coverage of Yakub Memon’s hanging.

As per the information available, the ministry believes that the coverage raised aspersion on the integrity of the President and judiciary. It is also stated that proper course of law was being followed and there was no reason to ignite anti-national sentiments. Aaj Tak and ABP News have been questioned pertaining to Chhota Shakeel’s interview. NDTV India and NDTV 24X7, meanwhile, have been served notice for their interview with Yakub Memon’s lawyer, who believed hanging to be unjustified.

The ministry says that the channels violated program code section 6 1(d),(e) and (g). Channels have 15 days to respond to the notice.

Broadcast Editors Association (BEA) has protested against the notice claiming it to be an attempt to intimidate the media. BEA issued a statement saying, "The apex body of editors of news channels in India has expressed its dismay over the latest notices reportedly issued to three channels— ABP News, Aaj Tak and NDTV— on the questionable pretext that their coverage pertaining to Yakub Memon's death sentence amounted to contempt of the institution of the President as also the judiciary. The BEA has decided to take up this issue with the government."