The News Broadcasters & Digital Authority (NBDA) has expressed surprise and concern over the blocking of signals of Sakshi TV, a member of the NBDA, along with three other news channels—TV9, NTV, and 10TV—by the Cable TV Operators Association of Andhra Pradesh.

This move, which is reportedly linked to the channels’ critical coverage of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) following its electoral victory over the incumbent Yuvajana Sramika Rythu (YSR) Congress Party, is seen as a violation of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) regulations.

The NBDA emphasized that no justification has been provided for this blockage, deeming it contrary to TRAI guidelines. The association highlighted that such actions are detrimental not only to broadcasters but also to the media and the public, setting a dangerous precedent. It stressed the importance of editorial freedom for broadcasters, free from political interference, to ensure the media’s independence as protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution.

“The boycott of channels is not the way forward and poses a threat to the freedom of the press,” the NBDA stated. It underscored the significant financial and viewership impacts on the affected broadcasters, which in turn affects channel ratings and advertisement revenues. Additionally, this situation risks damaging the long-term relationships between broadcasters and advertisers.

The NBDA called on the newly elected Government of Andhra Pradesh to uphold the principles of a free and independent press. It urged the government to intervene and ensure that all broadcasters can operate without interference, maintaining the public’s right to diverse news sources, which is essential for a healthy democracy.

“The public’s right to access diverse sources of news is fundamental to a healthy democracy, and any attempts to silence the media must be swiftly addressed and rectified,” the NBDA stated. It appealed to the government to encourage cable operators to reconsider their stance and avoid confrontation, which is not in the interest of stakeholders or the public.

The NBDA’s call for intervention aims to restore normalcy and protect the independence of the media, ensuring that all viewpoints can be freely broadcasted to the public.