The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) yesterday condemned the blackout of Puthiya Thalaimurai news channel by the Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Network (TACTV) across the State of Tamil Nadu, which it termed “blatant and undemocratic”.

“This arbitrary and opaque action, carried out without any explanation, justification, or due process is nothing short of institutional censorship — a direct assault on the freedom of the press and the citizens’ constitutional right to information,” a statement from NBF asserted.

Puthiya Thalaimurai has, over the years, stood as a pillar of fearless and independent journalism in Tamil Nadu, committed to truth, accountability, and public interest, it said.

“Silencing such a credible voice through a government-controlled cable network is a dangerous misuse of State power. It sends a chilling message to all media houses that critical reporting can be punished by arbitrary exclusion, undermining the very foundations of free and fair journalism in India,” NBF observed.

The news broadcasters’ lobbying body has demanded an “immediate and unconditional” restoration of Puthiya Thalaimurai on all platforms of Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Network, further urging the TN Government to hold accountable those responsible for the blackout.

NBF also exhorted the federal government’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to urgently intervene and frame strict regulatory safeguards preventing any State or private distribution platform from “weaponizing carriage control to silence the media”.