NBDSA Ordered News Channels Aaj Tak, News18 India, Times Now, Navbharat to Remove Hate Content

The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has taken action against several television news channels in India for violating broadcasting standards and spreading hate speech. The channels involved are News18 India, Times Now Navbharat, and Aaj Tak.

Key Findings and Actions:

• All three channels were ordered to remove videos of specific shows aired in the past two years. These shows were found to violate the code of ethics and broadcasting standards, particularly guidelines related to racial and religious harmony.
• Fines were imposed on the channels:
• • News18 India: ₹50,000 for shows aired in 2022 that linked the murder of Shraddha Walker to "love jihad." The NBDSA emphasized responsible use of this term and its potential for harm.
  • Times Now Navbharat: ₹1 lakh for a show aired in May 2023 that also discussed "love jihad."
  • Aaj Tak:
    • ₹75,000 for a show aired in 2023 that discussed former US President Barack Obama's comments on minorities in India. The NBDSA found the show lacked objectivity and neutrality, used inflammatory language, and failed to present the issue sensitively.
    • Directed to remove a show aired in 2023 that discussed violence during Ram Navami. The NBDSA criticized the show for targeting the entire Muslim community due to the actions of some individuals.

Reactions:

• A legal representative of the India Today Group, which owns Aaj Tak, expressed disappointment but stated they respect the decision and will comply.
• The NBDSA also issued guidelines on responsible reporting for the LGBTQIA+ community and cautioned against using visuals and images out of context.

Overall, the NBDSA's actions highlight the importance of ethical and responsible news broadcasting in India. The body aims to ensure that news channels present information accurately, objectively, and without perpetuating harmful stereotypes or inciting violence.